The Critical Thinking Toolkit: Your Guide to Success in Learning, Thinking and Writing at University

We hear a lot about critical thinking at university but what does it really look like? This book has the answer. 

Whether you′re writing essays, prepping for exams, or navigating lectures, seminars and placements, this book helps you build the thinking skills that make university life easier and your work stronger.

Inside, you’ll find:

• Real examples and exercises that show how critical thinking works in everyday study situations.
• Step-by-step support to help you sharpen your reasoning and make confident decisions.
• Flexible tools―like action plans and activities―you can adapt to your own goals and pace.
• Smart guidance on AI and how to use it ethically and effectively in your work.

This book covers critical thinking from every angle, with practical advice to actually help you do it. Whether you′re just starting out or want to level up, you will go from ′vague′ to ′first-class′ thinking in no time.

Doctor Paula Beesley is a Senior Lecturer in Social Work and Academic Practice Lead at Leeds Beckett University, educator, researcher and author. Her teaching interests include critical thinking in communication skills, practice skill development and placement modules. Her research interests focus on pedagogical development. Her doctoral study identified a model of Collaborative Experiential Learning (Beesley, 2023) to support students on practice placement develop knowledge and skills. More recently, she has undertaken pedagogical research exploring the learning experience and environment for students with reasonable adjustments, inclusion of role play in teaching, the experiences of newly qualified social workers, and most recently exploring student poverty.

Louise is a sociologist with specific interests in health policy and social policy. She is a Reader located in The Centre for Health Promotion Research, which she has co-directed since 2013. Louise joined the University in September 2005 and has taught on a wide range of modules including sociology, health policy, research, community and global policy and health care. She also manages a range of research projects and a team of research staff.

Louise’s research projects are diverse and include a commissioned evaluation of the Way Forward Programme, a project to develop resilience in vulnerable young women with unmet need, the evaluation of a Department of Health Eatwell and Livewell Project to tackle malnutrition amongst the elderly, and the project management of the Sunderland Health Champion Programme.