Critical Thinking Skills for your Social Work Degree

Critical Thinking Skills for your Social Work Degree provides you with a sound knowledge and understanding of: - the nature of critical thinking, and of its relevance and importance in HE - how to adopt a critical approach to all aspects of your social work studies - the importance of active, critical reading, and how it allows you an efficient, principled, effective assessment of the literature in your field - the need to adopt a critical approach to writing, characterised by analytical and evaluative use of sources and the development of your own 'voice' If you are embarking on a university social work degree, the books in this series will help you acquire and develop the knowledge, skills and strategies you need to achieve your goals. They provide support in all areas important for university study, including institutional and disciplinary policy and practice, self-management, and research and communication. Tasks and activities are designed to foster aspects of learning which are valued in higher education, including learner autonomy and critical thinking, and to guide you towards reflective practice in your study and work life.

Jane Bottomley is a freelance writer, teacher and educational consultant. She is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a Senior Fellow of the British Association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes. She has helped students from a wide range of disciplines to improve their academic skills and achieve their study goals, including 14 years as a Senior Language Tutor at the University of Manchester. Jane is the editor of the Critical Study Skills series, which covers nursing, education and social work. Pat Cartney is Head of Social Work in the School of Health Sciences Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work at the University of Manchester. She is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Her teaching and research interests focus on exploring how people learn best about professional practice and how they become knowledgeable and skilled social work practitioners. Steven Pryjmachuk is Professor of Mental Health Nursing Education in the School of Health Science's Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work at the University of Manchester and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. His teaching, clinical and research work has centred largely on supporting and facilitating individuals - be they students, patients or colleagues - to develop, learn or care independently. In December 2014, Steven was elected as vice Chair (2015-16) and Chair (2017-18) of Mental Health Nurse Academics UK, an organisation representing 65 Higher Education Institutions providing education and research on mental health nursing.

1. Foundations of critical thinking 2. Reflective practice and critical thinking 3. Critical reading 4. Critical writing