We all have the ability to think conceptually and creatively, but for many of us this potential lies untapped. Smart Thinking will teach you how to generate your own original ideas, create new concepts, assess risk, solve problems and make balanced decisions. Above all, this book will show you how to truly think for yourself.

This new title from bestselling author Bryan Greetham equips students with the higher cognitive skills they need to excel at university and stand out when applying for jobs. This is a truly original text which will meet the needs of aspirational students.

The book shows students how to generate their own ideas, think conceptually, design solutions to the most difficult problems, and make their own decisions and can be picked up by students at any point in their degree - from day 1 of their university course through to graduation and beyond.

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 today's 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.

• Shows students how to generate their own ideas, think conceptually, design solutions to the most difficult problems, play devil's advocate and make their own decisions

• Includes a wealth of practical activities and examples to help readers put the ideas and techniques into practice

• Written by Bryan Greetham, bestselling author of How to Write Better Essays and How to Write Your Undergraduate Dissertation

  Autorentext
  Bryan Greetham was an Honorary Fellow at the University of Durham, UK, and previously taught at University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.

  Klappentext
  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 today's 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.

  Inhalt
  Introduction.- 1. How Good Are We At Thinking?.- 2. What Is Smart Thinking?.- PART I: CONCEPTUAL THINKING.- 3. What Is Conceptual Thinking?.- 4. Creating Concepts.- 5. Analysing Concepts.- 6. Synthesising Ideas.- 7. How Will This Improve My Academic Work?.- 8. How Will This Improve My Employability?.- PART II: CREATIVE THINKING.- 9. What Is A Creative Thinker?.- 10. How To Generate Your Own Ideas.- 11. Structuring Your Ideas Causal And Conceptual Relations.- 12. Designing Solutions To Problems 1: Using Analogies.- 13. Designing Solutions To Problems 2: Adapting Your Structures.- 14. How Will This Improve My Academic Work?.- 15. How Will This Improve My Employability?.- PART III: MAKING DECISIONS.- 16. What Makes A Good Decision-Maker?.- 17. Making A Good Decision The Seven Stages.- 18. Assessing Risk: Decision-Making Under Uncertainty.- 19. How Will This Improve My Academic Work?.- 20. How Will This Improve My Employability?.- Conclusion.<p