Thinking Critically in College: The Essential Handbook for Student Success

I have used this book as core reading in my first-year seminar and psychology of learning courses, as well as in faculty professional development. Students have found it transformative in reshaping their understanding of learning, while faculty value Newman’s insightful exploration of the often-unspoken expectations that shape college-level work and his inclusion of rich, practical exercises that foster critical thinking.

Thinking Critically in College details and exemplifies the differences between high school and college. Students who read this book before coming to college will have an advantage over those who don’t.

Even students who have taken college-prep and AP courses are unprepared for the type of learning that will take place in college. Thinking Critically in College is poised to help all students at all types of institutions develop the dispositions and skills necessary for success in college.

No other ‘how-to-do-college’ book takes a deep dive into what it takes for college students to thrive academically and cultivate the habits of an educated mind. Newman offers a treasure trove of helpful examples to illustrate how undergraduates need to think and what they should do to effectively meet the learning challenges they will encounter during and after college.

What college students could surely use now is an owner’s manual of sorts, to ensure they are well-prepared to get the most out of the next four years. Drawing on his deep expertise and experience in the delivery of an array of student support services, Louis Newman has taken on the challenge of writing just such a book, which is desperately needed.

Students need a book that speaks directly to them as they launch their college careers. The research is available. Volumes have been written to support faculty in teaching students so that enduring learning occurs. There are a growing number of ‘how-to-learn’ courses in college. But Thinking Critically in College is the first resource to fill all these needs. It is a must read for beginning college students. I can’t think of anyone better positioned to write this book than Louis Newman.

This book could not be more timely! At a time of increasing numbers of first-generation college students, Thinking Critically in College will help them succeed in college and beyond. Newman’s comprehensive approach demystifies what many students perceive as the ‘faculty language.’ He empowers his readers with language and tools to build meaningful relationships, learn valuable skills, and unpack the academic world. If you question the value of a college education, you will find your answer in this book! Truly a valuable guide for all college students, especially those in their first year.

I can’t wait to assign this book in my first-year courses! Drawing on decades of professional experience and the latest research, Louis Newman is the ideal guide to critical thinking, and also to learning, writing, and the other core academic experiences in college. I particularly appreciate his invitation to ‘begin with questions’ and his ‘Advice for the Road Ahead’ that provides concrete steps toward success. All students will benefit from reading and discussing this book.

The perfect high-school graduation gift for anyone going to college. The book is replete with practical counsel on how to think critically and communicate well, wise guidance for learning in college and scores of helpful examples of that guidance applied to assignments that college students must handle. The sub-title says it all, The Essential Handbook for Student Success.

This marvelous book is really three books in one. Its declared aim is to help students make their college years into more rewarding learning experiences. It also implicitly guides college professors on how to make their classes and assignments more supportive of real learning. And if you wish to grow intellectually after college, this book will help you learn how to make your informal learning more effective and rewarding.

Almost all colleges and universities claim to instill critical thinking skills, but all too rarely explain to students what this entails. Thinking Critically in College fills that yawning gap. Newman offers the wisest, most perceptive, and eminently practical examination I know of what critical thinking is, why it matters, and how students can hone these skills. Institutions that take Newman’s smart guidance to heart, and whose faculty consciously focus on imparting his lessons, will admirably live up to their aspirations.

Louis Newman addresses not only how to think critically in college, but why. Each chapter offers a lesson in metacognition, practical advice and concrete examples along with wisdom about the lifelong value of critical thinking. This approachable, conversational collection of strategies for college success employs a workbook format so students can practice lessons covered in the book. While the book addresses students, the tips and exercises it offers are also valuable for teachers aiming to help students become better learners.

A wonderful book that helps readers see that the questions often are more important than the answers. A joy to read, the work serves as a thorough resource on learning to think critically in college. But it is not simply about critical thinking in college. Most importantly, it helps readers foster skills of critique vital for living rich and rewarding lives.

Thinking Critically in College is an ideal book for any college that wants to help students cultivate their critical thinking skills from the start. In our prison-based college, this text has become a cherished new addition to our first-year texts, with its straightforward, respectful delivery and vital, democratic message.

So many ideas that Louis shared are directly informing the proposal we are composing for an advising system that supports critical thinking in the gen ed curriculum. In particular, he challenged us to think of meaningful opportunities for developing advisors through communities of practice and scenario-based conversations.