Coaching Students Fast and Slow

Author Daniel Kahneman, in his groundbreaking 2011 book Thinking Fast and Slow, explored the two primary thinking modes which he calls System 1 (faster, automatic thinking) and System 2 (slow, deliberative thinking). Each has its strengths and drawbacks, and each plays a functional role in particular situations. They often work together, for example, when the information gathered by System 1 thinking is data used in a longer System 2 decision-making process.

Living in a fast-changing, highly technological society that prioritizes speed and convenience can lead students to prioritize System 1 thinking, which can bring tough consequences when a problem-solving or decision-making process would benefit from the slower, step-by-step nature of System 2. Coaches can ask questions that invite students to slow down, break processes into parts, and begin to see how productive slow thinking can be, even as they gain important insights from intuitive System 1 reactions.

Describe the options open to you. 

What are the pros and cons of your choice?

What would it look like to take more time with this decision?

Identify the information you have that is informing your choice.

If time were not an issue, which option do you think would bring the best results for you? 

Imagine going down this path. What do you predict?

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