(Source: CortThinking)

Introduction
Process
How the CAF Process Works
More Resources
YouTube
Examples of Consider all factors analysis within On the Job

A Cooperative Learning Strategy

Introduction

The Consider All Factors (CAF) method, developed by Edward de Bono, is a critical thinking tool for exploring all relevant aspects of a situation before making a decision, ensuring crucial elements aren't overlooked and leading to better judgments, plans, and conclusions.

Process (Source: Understanding Faith)

The process involves deliberately listing numerous factors (e.g., 10 or more) related to a topic, moving from obvious to less apparent ones, and sometimes categorizing them (self, others, society) to ensure comprehensive input, rather than just focusing on immediate or favourable points.

This activity is used to summarise a topic as a small and large group.

1. Name the topic, issue or problem for analysis.
2. Students individually list all possible factors.
3. In small groups, students compare and add to their lists.
4. A whole class list is constructed.
5. Students select the three or four most important factors that could summarise the topic or issue or resolve the problem.

How the CAF Process Works

• Identify the Topic/Situation: Clearly define the subject you need to analyse or decide upon (e.g., buying a used car, a new policy).
• Brainstorm Factors: List as many relevant factors as possible, without initial judgment.
  • Start Broad: Think about factors affecting you, others, and society.
  • Go Deeper: Push beyond the first few obvious factors to uncover hidden or less-considered elements.
  • Don't Censor: Include silly or unconventional ideas, as they can spark more valuable thoughts.
• Structure the List (Optional): Group factors into categories like:
  • Factors affecting yourself (personal impact, cost).
  • Factors affecting other people (customers, employees, community).
  • Factors affecting society/environment (traffic, pollution, long-term effects).
• Review and Refine: Examine the complete list to ensure key factors haven't been missed, preventing rash decisions.
• Apply to Decision-Making: Use the comprehensive list as input for choosing, planning, or judging.

Example: Buying a Used Car

• Obvious Factors: Price, mileage, condition, colour.
• Deeper Factors: Service history, resale value, reliability of the model, insurance costs, fuel efficiency, potential repair needs, number of previous owners, seller's reputation, compatibility with your lifestyle.

Why It's Effective

• Prevents Oversights: Stops you from focusing only on easy or favourable points.
• Encourages Deeper Thinking: Moves you past initial reactions to a more thorough analysis.
• Improves Outcomes: Leads to more robust decisions by considering broader impacts, like traffic congestion from new parking laws

More resources

Cort Thinking	Tools for Thought
Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment UK [PDF 20 pages]	Consider All Factors: Teacher Tube

YouTube: Creativity Technique: Consider All Factors - Version 2
https://youtu.be/5kmYNnZrLzE

Examples of Consider All Factors Analysis within On the Job website

Beekeeper	The Varroa mite! Secondary Lesson Strategy: Consider All Factors Analysis
Builder	Sustainable buildings: What does it mean? Middle  Secondary Lesson Strategy: Consider All Factors Analysis
Bus Driver	What is the best way to travel? #TC Middle  Secondary Lesson Strategy: Consider All Factors Analysis
Dog Breeder	There ARE Breeds of Dogs that bite! Aren't there? #TC Middle  Secondary Lesson Strategy: Consider All Factors Analysis
Fitness Instructor	Researching Fitness Articles #TC Middle  Secondary Lesson Strategy: Consider All Factors Analysis
Helicopter Pilot	Consider all factors: Air Urber!  Secondary Lesson Strategy: Consider All Factors Analysis
Insurance Claims Investigator	Should Insurance Claims Investigators Research New Academic Findings? Consider All Factors Analysis Secondary Lesson Strategy: Consider All Factors Analysis
Paediatrician	Small Patients, Big Needs: Designing a Paediatrician's Consultation and Waiting Rooms Primary Middle Secondary Lesson Strategy: Consider All Factors Analysis
Tourist Information Officer	Medical and Dental Tourism: Is it something you would consider?  Secondary Lesson Strategy: Community of Inquiry & Consider All Factors Analysis   Do we REALLY have to go on holidays? #TC Middle  Secondary Lesson Strategy: Consider All Factors Analysis
LOTJ: Rosa Parks Dressmaker and & Human Rights Activist	Skin deep: should Australia consider name-blind resumes? Middle Secondary Lesson Strategy: Consider All Factors Analysis
LOTJ: Dr Sarah Lynar Infectious Diseases Specialist	Scientists are trying to solve a mystery disease outbreak in northern Australia Secondary Lesson Strategy: Consider All Factors Analysis