Unlock your students potential with Smart Thinking, a step-by-step guide to generating ideas, thinking creatively and conceptually and making decisions. The book begins by explaining what smart thinking is and how it develops the skills that todays employers covet. Part 1 unwraps the mysteries of conceptual thinking, with chapters on how to create new concepts and analyse existing ones, while Part 2 shows students how to release their creative potential and devise original solutions to complex problems. Finally, Part 3 shows students how to assess their ideas and solutions and come to a rational, objective decision. Chapters are packed with examples, top tips and try this activities for students to put their thinking skills to the test.
Smart Thinking will be an indispensable companion for students of all levels and disciplines who want to sharpen their thinking and improve the way they study.
Accompanying online resources for this title can be found at bloomsburyonlineresources.com/smart-thinking. These resources are designed to support teaching and learning when using this textbook and are available at no extra cost.
Reviews
This accessible and cleverly designed book will give all students the tools to sharpen their thinking, generate new insights, and be more creative. * Nicholas Jackson, University of Leeds, UK *
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It will likely appeal to the strategically-oriented / instrumental student through its regular linkage to employers' psychometric tests. It sidesteps all the gobbledegook and baggage of 'Critical Thinking', and presents the concept as something anyone can and does do - 'Critical Thinking' so often seems to divorce / annoy / mystify students .' - Nick Endacott, head of study skills at Middlesex University, UK 'The three-part structure is very clear and the chapter headings are worded in the most student-friendly and practical style possible. Each part follows a similar pattern that is highly appropriate, beginning with the 'what . .? ' and ending with two excellent sections that make clear to students how the chapter contents will improve their academic work and their employability.' - Jeanne Godfrey, bestselling study skills author
| Acknowledgements |
|
ix | |
| About this book |
|
xi | |
| Introduction |
|
1 | (8) |
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1 How good are we at thinking? |
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|
9 | (14) |
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2 What is smart thinking? |
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23 | (18) |
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Stage 1 Conceptual Thinking |
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41 | (80) |
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3 What is conceptual thinking? |
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43 | (16) |
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|
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59 | (18) |
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5 How to analyse concepts |
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77 | (18) |
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6 How to synthesise ideas |
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95 | (14) |
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7 How will this improve my grades and employability? |
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109 | (12) |
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Stage 2 Creative Thinking |
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121 | (98) |
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8 What is a creative thinker? |
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123 | (16) |
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9 How to generate your own ideas |
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139 | (16) |
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10 How to structure your ideas |
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155 | (18) |
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11 Designing solutions to problems 1: Using analogies |
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173 | (14) |
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12 Designing solutions to problems 2: Adapting your structures |
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187 | (20) |
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13 How will this improve my grades and employability? |
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207 | (12) |
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219 | (78) |
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14 What makes a good decision-maker? |
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221 | (16) |
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15 How to evaluate our solutions |
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237 | (14) |
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16 Assessing risk: Decision-making under uncertainty |
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251 | (18) |
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17 How to make a good decision |
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269 | (14) |
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18 How will this improve my grades and employability? |
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|
283 | (14) |
| Conclusion |
|
297 | (4) |
| Notes |
|
301 | (6) |
| Bibliography |
|
307 | (2) |
| Index |
|
309 | |
Bryan Greetham was educated at the universities of Kent and Sussex, UK. He holds a PhD in moral philosophy from the University of Newcastle, Australia. He is the author of How to Write Better Essays, How to Write Your Undergraduate Dissertation and Thinking Skills for Professionals.
