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PMI Diagram

A structured evaluation tool where learners consider the Plus, Minus and Interesting aspects of an idea, preventing snap judgements by requiring deliberate consideration of multiple perspectives.

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PMI Diagram diagram

What is pmi diagram?

  • Present an idea, proposal, or statement to evaluate
  • Draw a three-column table labelled Plus, Minus, and Interesting
  • Learners list positive points, negative points, and interesting observations in each column
  • Use the completed PMI to make a balanced judgement or decision

How it works

The PMI diagram was developed by Edward de Bono as a tool for deliberate thinking. It forces learners to consider an idea from three angles before forming an opinion. The Plus column captures what is good about the idea. The Minus column captures what is problematic. The Interesting column captures what is noteworthy, surprising, or worth exploring further, regardless of whether it is positive or negative.

The Interesting column is what makes PMI distinctive. Many evaluation tools ask only for pros and cons, but the third column opens space for lateral thinking. An observation in the Interesting column might later prove to be the most important consideration of all.

PMI works because it slows down judgement. Without a structured tool, learners (and adults) tend to form instant opinions and then defend them. The PMI requires them to think positively about ideas they dislike and critically about ideas they favour before reaching a conclusion. This develops intellectual discipline and open-mindedness.

The tool works with any evaluative question: Should we change the school uniform? What are the implications of this scientific discovery? Is this character's decision justified? Should this policy be adopted? The simplicity of the three-column structure makes it accessible to all ages while the thinking it demands is genuinely challenging.

Classroom example

A Year 9 Health and Well-being class in a Merthyr Tydfil school is evaluating the statement: "All school meals should be vegetarian." Learners complete a PMI. Plus: reduces carbon footprint, cheaper ingredients, healthier options. Minus: removes learner choice, some learners rely on school meals for protein, cultural foods excluded. Interesting: would it change attitudes to meat over time? What would happen to local farmers? Could it lead to more food waste if learners do not eat the food? The Interesting column generates the richest discussion and leads to a more nuanced essay.

Curriculum for Wales connection

PMI diagrams develop the "Develop" strand of thinking skills through structured evaluation and multi-perspective thinking. They support the Four Purposes by developing "ethical, informed citizens" who can consider complex issues from multiple angles before forming a view, and build cross-curricular literacy through balanced argumentation.

Rainbow Curriculum's Thinking Tools lens helps you plan where evaluation tools are used across your curriculum, ensuring learners develop the habit of deliberate, structured thinking before reaching conclusions.

Tips

  • Start with a provocative statement rather than a bland one. "School should start at 10am" generates better PMI thinking than "School starts at 9am."
  • Give equal time to all three columns. Learners often rush through Minus and Interesting.
  • A common pitfall: treating the Interesting column as "more positives." Coach learners to use it for genuinely curious observations and questions.
  • Use PMI before debates or essays to ensure balanced preparation.
  • Combine with diamond ranking by using the PMI to generate ideas that are then ranked.

Source: Adapted from "How to develop thinking and assessment for learning in the classroom", Welsh Assembly Government, Guidance 044/2010.