Critical thinking

The term 'critical' is often perceived as a negative trait, but in higher education being critical has a different meaning:

“The ability to think critically is probably the most transferable of the skills you will develop at university – and your future employers will expect you to be able to use it to tackle professional challenges” (McMillan et al, 2006, p 137).

"Critical thinking means weighing up the arguments for and against." (Cottrell, 2003, p221)

When studying at university you are not expected to just naively accept everything that you are taught or read for yourself; as the quotes above explain, thinking critically involves carefully and objectively considering the evidence for an argument and coming to your own conclusions.

Thinking critically is one way - probably the most important - to get a better grade in your assignments. Academics assessing your work will be looking for evidence that you haven't just regurgitated the facts but have analysed, critiqued and shown an element of original thought.

The above tips have been informed by the following study guides:

Cottrell, S. (1999) The Study Skills Handbook. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

McMillan, K. and Weyers, J. (2009) The Smarter Study Skills Companion. Harlow: Prentice Hall.