LibGuides: Studying Online: Critical Thinking

Video - What is critical thinking?

Critical Thinking Form

A helpful guide to critical thinking from Plymouth University.

Critical Thinking Resources

This Learn Higher site has lots of tips on critical thinking, including how to write a critical essay and what's the difference between description and critical analysis?

Critical Reading Techniques

A guide from the Open University to developing critical reading techniques.

Critical Thinking

Based on the work of expert Stella Cottrell, international bestselling author of The Study Skills Handbook, this interactive resource will help you hone and develop your study skills at your own pace. Each module has been carefully designed so you can assess your current proficiency, track your progress, become more confident and get the most out of your course.

Please note that you will be required to log in to this resource using your BU login.

Critical Thinking

This workshop is most suitable for first year undergraduates however all students may benefit from it.
It covers - What is critical thinking. How to identify the skills required for critical thinking. Reading, listening and thinking critically.
1 minute 40 seconds into this workshop video above, a youtube video is recommended. This is the correct link to open and view: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnJ1bqXUnIM

Critical Thinking Self-evaluation
Test your knowledge of critical thinking
Categorising Information
Descriptive and critical writing
Critical analytical thinking checklist

Critical thinking skills: Evaluating information - how to spot fake news

IFLA, 2020. How to spot fake news [online]. Netherlands: The International Federation of Library Associations. Available from: https://www.ifla.org/publications/node/11174 [Accessed 08/12/2020].

Fact of Fake? BBC Bitesize resources

Useful Books

Critical Thinking Skills by Stella Cottrell
ISBN: 9780230285293
Publication Date: 2011
The second edition of this leading guide helps students to develop reflective thinking skills, improve their critical analysis and construct arguments more effectively. Written by Stella Cottrell, leader in the field with over one million book sales to date, this text breaks down a complex subject into easily understood blocks, providing easy-to-follow, step-by-step explanations and practice activities to develop understanding and practise your skills at each stage. Essential for students who are mystified by tutor comments such as 'more critical analysis needed', this is an invaluable tool for anyone wishing to develop advanced skills in this area and learn to apply them to tasks such as reading, writing and note-taking.
How to Improve Your Critical Thinking and Reflective Skills [Print book] by Jonathan Weyers; Kathleen McMillan
ISBN: 9780273773320
Publication Date: 2012
This easy-to-use guide identifies and addresses the key areas where most students need help in developing and enhancing the critical thinking and writing skills that are crucial to successful academic study, and provides practical tips and solutions. The authors use real life examples to illustrate common mistakes and demonstrate how to avoid them. They provide solid advice on enhancing analytical and argumentation skills by adopting best practice with critical thinking and reflective writing.
Critical Thinking Skills for Dummies by Martin Cohen
ISBN: 9781118924730
Publication Date: 2015
Turbocharge your reasoning with Critical Thinking Just what are the ingredients of a great argument? What is the secret to communicating your ideas clearly and persuasively? And how do you see through sloppy thinking and flim-flam? If you've ever asked any of these questions, then this book is for you! These days, strong critical thinking skills provide a vital foundation for academic success, and Critical Thinking Skills For Dummies offers a clear and unintimidating introduction to what can otherwise be a pretty complex topic. Inside, you'll get hands-on, lively, and fun exercises that you can put to work today to improve your arguments and pin down key issues. With this accessible and friendly guide, you'll get plain-English instruction on how to identify other people's assumptions, methodology, and conclusions, evaluate evidence, and interpret texts effectively. You'll also find tips and guidance on reading between the lines, assessing validity - and even advice on when not to apply logic too rigidly! Critical Thinking Skills for Dummies: Provides tools and strategies from a range of disciplines great for developing your reflective thinking skills Offers expert guidance on sound reasoning and textual analysis Shows precisely how to use concept mapping and brainstorming to generate insights Demonstrates how critical thinking skills is a proven path to success as a student Whether you're undertaking reviews, planning research projects or just keen to give your brain a workout, Critical Thinking Skills For Dummies equips you with everything you need to succeed.
Critical Thinking for Nursing, Health and Social Care by Rena Frohman; Karen Lupton This practical book will equip students with the critical thinking, reading and writing skills required to succeed both on their course and in their professional placements. It takes readers through the core stages of working on an assignment, from finding and evaluating sources through to critically reading material and demonstrating critical analysis in their writing. With chapters featuring content-specific examples and engaging exercises, this book is an essential resource for undergraduate students of Nursing, Health, Social Care and related disciplines.
ISBN: 9781352009798
Publication Date: 2020-04-02
Confidence in Critical Thinking by Arlene Egan
ISBN: 9781315163123
Publication Date: 2019
Confidence in Critical Thinking bridges the gap between theory and application for both new and established educators who wish to recognise their own critical-thinking skills, develop them and, in turn, support the development of their learners. By harnessing findings from research on design, engagement, goal setting, coaching, performance and the influence of language, this book: Facilitates educators in moving from thinking about these skills as theoretical concepts to practical application Supports educators in their own personal development Provides practical exercises and ideas for learner skills development Encourages reflection from the educator on their own development. A must-read for those wishing to examine the assumption that critical-thinking development happens to all learners to an equal degree as a natural part of the education process. Confidence in Critical Thinking is for both learners wishing to understand and develop critical-thinking skills and educators wanting to develop their learners', and their own, critical skills.

Video - Being a Critical Student

A short video from the University of Leicester on what it means to be a 'critical student'.

Video: Why can't I just use Google for my assignments?

This video - watch the first 1 minute 13 seconds - explains why you should use Library resources rather than relying on Google for researching for your assignments.

NMT Libraries, 2021. Why can't I just Google? [online]. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZFfPQxv2y8 [Accessed 12 April 2022].

The end of this video - minute 13 seconds onwards - promotes another academic library's resources and can be ignored by BU students and staff.

Critical Thinking Guide & Checklist

A guide to critical thinking from the University of Sussex, including short videos of students talking about what critical thinking means to them.

A critical thinking checklist from the University of Sussex.