The University of Westminster has given a facelift to its online short course on critical thinking and research skills with the help from its world-class researchers and lecturers. The new course aims to take the pressure off school teachers preparing post-16 pupils for higher education across the UK and around the world.
The revised and updated course was launched in response to post-16 teachers expressing a strong need for materials to help students develop essential critical thinking and research skills. Acquiring a firm foundation for these skills help bridge the gap between school and university, enhancing social mobility.
Teachers can use the course as an assistant in supporting students undertaking non-examination assessments (NEAs) as part of their A-Levels, or who are working on an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). The course is also available for school pupils, first-year university students or anyone needing a refresher in critical thinking to complete independently.
The course guides the learner in understanding the key factors and processes behind critical thinking and developing research ideas. By the end of the course, learners will be able to explore secondary research methods, including accessing open-access peer-reviewed works; critically evaluate a wide range of existing research; collect data from a variety of secondary sources; synthesise ideas developed through secondary research; and design a research project, such as one needed for an NEA and EPQ.
The course allows great flexibility for teachers as it can be used in a variety of ways, including in a classroom environment; assigning sections as homework between the live sessions; running an intensive week of workshops using the course as a backbone; or making it a half-term activity.
Participating schools can also benefit from additional on-campus activities from the University of Westminster after undertaking the course. They will also gain access to additional materials and career and professional development sessions.
Doug Specht, Course Leader and Head of the School of Media and Communication at the University of Westminster, said: “We have been working with schools all across the UK, and the world, for the last eight years to provide support in teaching these critical cross-disciplinary skills. The relaunch of this course will enable us to reach more pupils than ever, providing them and their teachers with support in developing critical approaches to learning that will benefit all pupils, whether they are planning to head to university or directly into work.”
This course directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Join or learn more about the University of Westminster’s Critical Thinking in practice: Key skills for NEAs and EPQs.
Find more support resources to help with undertaking an Extended Project Qualification.
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