Teaching students in college to think critically has never been more important.


"The book. . . teaches the reader how to learn better. It's a worthy endeavor and a valuable one for those industrious enough to make their way through these chapters. . . Those who do will undoubtedly have a leg up in their first semester.
A functional, low-frills guide to critical thinking for rising college freshmen."

--Kirkus Review

Our world is awash in disinformation, and the rapid development of AI in addition to the social media revolution, have made it essential that we learn to think clearly and effectively.  This is just one of the challenges facing higher education–teaching students the skills to engage alternative points of view, but also to recognize misinformation and ask probing questions of all the information they encounter.

Thinking Critically in College is the book that explains to students why critical thinking is so important–to their education and their lives–and shows them how to do it.

Of course, learning to think critically isn’t a new goal; it’s been at the heart of liberal education for generations.  But today’s high school graduates are often less prepared than they could be to do it.  This issue has only been exacerbated by the challenges facing public secondary schools and the impact of the Covid pandemic.  More than ever, students need a handbook that walks them through the elements of critical thinking as it will appear on college assignments, as well as advice on writing, quantitative reasoning, research, and more.

Thinking Critically in College is the book you’ve wanted for introducing students to college-level academic work–comprehensive, accessible, and engaging, it is ideal for first-year courses, bridge programs, honors programs, and summer pre-college programs.

Nearly every first-year college student discovers that college courses are more academically challenging than they expected, and certainly harder than classes in high school. Professors expect students not just to absorb material, but to analyze and synthesize it, to consider multiple perspectives, to evaluate conflicting evidence, and then to apply what they’ve learned in new contexts.

Thinking Critically in College explains how to do all this and more.

Unlike most college prep books—which advise you to go to office hours, get enough sleep, take good notes, and learn how to get along with your roommate—this one actually shows you how to do the work your professors will assign and explains how to tackle common academic challenges. This accessible and comprehensive handbook covers metacognition (thinking about how you think); basic critical thinking skills; college-level reading, writing, and quantitative reasoning; how to think about academic disciplines; decoding actual assignments from college courses, and tackling research projects.

Written in a personal, engaging style that draws on the author’s experience as a professor and academic advisor for nearly forty years, Thinking Critically in College is an indispensable guide to doing the work of college for students from all academic backgrounds.

Features of the Book:

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Praise for Thinking Critically in College

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.”

Lee Cuba

Professor Emeritus of Sociology, Wellesley College, and author of Practice for Life: Making Decisions in College

“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.”

Lynn Pasquerella

President of Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U)

“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.”

George D. Kuh

Chancellor’s Professor Emeritus of Higher Education, Indiana University

“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.”

Jacques Steinberg

New York Times bestselling author of The Gatekeepers and co-author of The College Conversation

“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.”

Susan Singer

President, St. Olaf College

“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.”

Susana Rivera-Mills

President, Aurora College

“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.”

Peter Felten

Executive Director, Center for Engaged Learning; Assistant Provost for Teaching and Learning, Elon University

“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.”

Thomas Ehrlich

President Emeritus, Indiana University; Former Provost, The University of Pennsylvania

“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.”

Michael McPherson

President Emeritus, Macalester College and The Spencer Foundation

“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.”

Steven G. Poskanzer

President Emeritus, Carleton College

“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.”

Mary-Ann Winkelmes

PhD, Founder/Director and Principal Investigator, Transparency in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education

“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.”

Andrew K. Koch

PhD, Chief Executive Officer, John N. Gardner Institute for Excellence in Undergraduate Education

"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."

Amy Jamgochian

Chief Academic Officer, Mt. Tamalpais College (San Quentin)

About The Author


Louis E. Newman is the former Dean of Academic Advising and Associate Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education at Stanford University. His responsibilities at Stanford included overseeing an extensive residential advising program, the pre-law and pre-med advising programs, transfer and co-term student advising, new student orientation programs, a summer bridge program, and the university's academic progress review system. At Stanford, he grew the advising program, promoted a holistic approach to academic advising, and advocated for liberal education.

He is also the John M. and Elizabeth W. Musser Professor of Religious Studies, Emeritus, at Carleton College, where he taught for thirty-three years. During his tenure at Carleton, he also served as an Associate Dean of the College, which included expanding the advisor training program and launching new programs to support advisors. He served for a term as Director of the Perlman Center for Learning and Teaching, which sponsored weekly programs for faculty and staff on all aspects of pedagogy, academic policy, and trends in higher education. In this role, he functioned as the informal mentor to the faculty at Carleton, which is consistently rated by US News & World Report as #1 for undergraduate teaching.

He is also an internationally recognized scholar in the field of Jewish ethics and has written and co-edited several books in that field, as well as dozens of articles. He was the first president of the Society of Jewish Ethics and the co-founder of its journal.

Louis Newman completed his B.A. in Hebrew and Philosophy and his M.A. in Philosophy at the University of Minnesota, and received his Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Brown University.

Throughout his career, hundreds of students and colleagues have attested to the profound impact he had on their learning and their lives as a gifted teacher and as a trusted advisor and mentor.

For more information about Louis Newman, his other publications and teaching engagements, visit his personal website.

This book provides the guidance students really need to succeed academically. Ideally suited to courses for college-bound high school and first-year college students, Thinking Critically in College is the go-to handbook for instructors and all those who support college student success. With its emphasis on developing critical thinking skills, the text also encourages students to look at their college experience broadly, as preparation for a lifetime of learning and civic engagement. Practical, accessible, comprehensive, and interactive–Thinking Critically in College is the resource you’ve always wanted to promote your students’ learning.

Press

Kirkus Review Thinking Critically in College: The Essential Handbook for Student Success

Newsweek Look to the Liberal Arts to Lower the Temperature of Campus Culture Wars

Jewish Journal Thinking about Thinking

University Business How Colleges are Failing Our Students

Inside Higher Ed Early and Often: Teaching Critical Thinking Skills for Student Success

The College Fix Stanford Dean’s New Book Helps Undergrads Learn to Think Critically

The Teaching Professor Five Ways to Help Your Students Become Better Critical Thinkers

eCampus News Four Ways to Enhance Your Critical Thinking Skills

Sonoma Family Life Get Smart About College: How to Make a Wise Choice

Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing What’s More Critical to Nursing than Thinking Critically?

Just the News Amid rise of AI, polarization, intolerance, ex-prof hopes to reinstill critical thinking in students

Inside Higher Ed The Beating Heart of Gen Ed

Business Insider How to Choose the Right College

J Weekly Critical thinking: Embedded in Judaism, desperately needed in society

Inside Higher Ed If We Want Free Speech, We Need to Teach It

LINK for Counselors How to Help your Students Succeed Academically in College

LINK for Counselors A College Education is a Lot More Than a Ticket. 

Media

Issues and Ideas with Chris DeBello, Issues and Ideas with Chris DeBello The Importance of Teaching Critical Thinking in College

Radio Free Hillsdale Dr. Louis Newman on Thinking Critically in College

IlluminatED Higher Education Podcast Thinking Critically in College with Louis Newman

WRGC Thinking Critically in College with Louis Newman: Focus On The Community with Louis Newman

Your College-Bound Kid Podcast Dr. Louis Newman: Thinking Critically in College Interview

Spotify Podcast with Ann Garcia A Roadmap for Student Success

College Admissions in a Changing World Podcast How to Choose a College Intelligently by Using the Right Data

Webinar Jam Find Your Best Fit Colleges with Kate Stone

The Shift Podcast What Students Don’t Know Going into College that They Need to Know to Succeed Academically 

Hedagogy with Steve Pearlman Thinking Critically in College with Louis Newman

Carleton Connects Louis Newman and How to Make the Most of College

How to Get the Most Out of College Podcast Uncovering the Hidden Curriculum with Louis Newman

Parent Venture Thinking Critically in College:  Essential Tools for Student Success

Shift:  College Admissions in a Changing World Podcast: How to Make the Most of Your College Experience Academically

Tests and the Rest: What Does Thinking Critically In College Mean?

Stanford Continuing Studies, A Smarter Way to Think About College 

Louis Newman College Success Coaching:
Personalized Guidance for Navigating College

College can be challenging. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Beginning college students face a variety of challenges, from making new friends to living away from parents, not to mention more demanding academics and navigating all the social and emotional challenges of young adulthood. The challenges are mostly unavoidable, but students don’t need to face them alone.

Studies have shown that students are more successful in college, especially at the beginning, if they have consistent and caring support from an adult on campus—an academic advisor or student support staff member. All schools have these services, but unfortunately, those staff members are often unable to give careful attention to all the
students who need them.

College Success Coaching gives your student holistic support to ensure a successful transition to college and the guidance necessary to thrive, intellectually and personally.

With more than forty years of experience teaching, advising, and mentoring college students, your college coach will:

  • help identify challenges and opportunities that will affect a student’s ease of transition into college, and help students address them
  • encourage students to pursue their interests, as well as develop new ones, both through their courses and extra-curricular activities
  • guide students through decisions about majors, minors or other academic programs, as well as decisions about off-campus study and other opportunities
  • offer ongoing support for students facing challenges of all sorts, at every stage of their college career, including those at risk of dropping out
  • ensure that students are directed to the services they need
  • provide support for study skills, executive functioning, interviewing, and exploring internship and post-graduation opportunities
  • help to keep your student on track, and alert others if they begin to struggle

In addition, your coach will:

  • help students realize the extraordinary opportunities for growth during college, and offer strategies for taking advantage of them
  • create an ongoing opportunity for students to reflect on their goals, challenges, and successes, and to consider how they can maximize the value of their
    education

So, whether your student is struggling, or just looking for guidance and support, a College Success Coach can help them make the most of these wonderful—and challenging—years.

Your student needs a coach who helps them use these college years well, maximizing their likelihood of success, in college and in life.

Meet Your College Success Coach

Louis Newman was the Dean of Academic Advising and Associate Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education at Stanford University. He is also the John M. and Elizabeth W. Musser Professor, Emeritus at Carleton College, where he has taught for thirty-three years. Most recently, he is the author of Thinking Critically In College: The Essential Handbook for Student Success (Radius Book Group). In addition to being a renowned scholar in his field, Newman has a lifelong passion for improving undergraduate education. Throughout his long career, he has been praised by colleagues and students alike for the profound impact he has had on their learning and their lives–as a gifted teacher, trusted advisor, and mentor.

Louis Newman

Our Services

Individual Coaching Session

Students sometimes need a bit of advice as they face a decision, or some support when they’re facing a challenging situation.

A coaching session or two can help resolve the situation, providing the academic and/or personal support your student needs to get back on the path to success. Whether the concern is academic, emotional, or a mix of both, our coaching is tailored to meet them where they are and support them in moving forward. Every session is a safe, judgment-free space where students can speak openly and receive personalized guidance. Sessions are available on an hourly basis and designed to fit the unique needs of each student. 

Ready, Set, Think: College Prep Bootcamp

Be ready to hit the ground running with this four-session workshop that prepares you for the academic challenges you’ll face in college.

Covers self-reflective learning, critical reading, writing as a tool for thinking clearly, quantitative reasoning, disciplinary thinking, parsing your assignments, and tackling research projects. Interactive assignments and reflective exercises in each session. Includes a free copy of Louis Newman’s book, Thinking Critically in College: The Essential Handbook for Student Success. Four 90-minute sessions scheduled at your convenience. Guaranteed to improve your academic confidence or your money back!

College Coaching

Ongoing personalized guidance and support for every step of your college journey.

Expert advice for all aspects of academic life: course selection, decisions about majors, minors, and other special programs; planning extra-curricular activities; off-campus study; ongoing assessment of learning goals and progress; leaves of absence; exploring internships; post-graduation plans. Improve your study Skills and get the most out of your college education. Unlimited access to your college coach is available by the semester or on an annual basis.

College Launchpad

College Launchpad™ is an exclusive, personalized program that provides students and their families with a roadmap for a successful transition to college.

College Launchpad™ helps students and their parents identify: 

  • Individual gifts and challenges that determine how your student will transition into college and move through their first semester, and beyond
  • Proven strategies for improving study skills, time management and executive functioning 
  • What students need to do before they leave for college and in their first weeks on campus
  • Social/emotional needs that should be addressed in advance to set students up to thrive in college
  • Critical thinking skills students need so they hit the ground running
  • Optional ongoing support as your student’s College Success Coach

How it works:
Students complete a comprehensive intake form and share it with their College Success Coach. They then schedule a one-hour virtual session to review the student’s profile, identify strengths and areas for growth, discuss potential challenges, and identify strategies for meeting them. Finally, each student receives a personalized College Launchpad™ plan for promoting a successful start to their college career.

The result--

  • Students begin college feeling better prepared and more confident.
  • Parents feel reassured that their students are primed for a successful transition to college.

My Philosophy of Coaching

Successful college coaching is about getting to know students as unique individuals, and then working closely with them to help them reach their full potential. Students are, first and foremost, people. College students, especially those beginning college immediately after high school, are in the midst of growing intellectually and emotionally. They are developing a sense of themselves separate from their parents, especially if they are living away from home. And they are exploring new relationships, alongside new intellectual ideas, all while navigating a diverse and often unfamiliar social environment.

The only way to help students meet all these challenges—and take advantage of these opportunities—is through ongoing engagement with someone who has taken the time to know them and develop a supportive relationship with them. I know from experience that in most cases a student’s academic life affects their personal life, and personal issues often manifest as academic ones. Your student deserves to have someone who understands both their personal and academic strengths and needs, who knows their ‘story,’ and who will give them sound advice. Most of all, they deserve to have someone
who consistently has time to talk with them.

Coaching and academic advising are all about relationship. For that relationship to be successful, there needs to be trust and caring. Students need to know that they can trust their coach and that he genuinely cares about their success and well-being. It has been said that a student won’t care what I say to them unless they know that I care about them. My first goal in every coaching relationship is to establish that trust and caring.

Everything else follows.

In this talk about advising, which I gave many years ago to a group of my colleagues at Carleton College, I explain that coaching a student is all about knowing their story and helping them write the next chapter. As a coach, I have the privilege of helping students develop commitments, explore new ideas and relationships, and assume adult responsibilities. I advise, support and witness the unique journey of each student’s college education. It has been a joy to do this work for more than forty years.

 

College Success Coaching is for students of all backgrounds and with wide range of experiences and goals.

Whether your student is struggling or just looking for solid
advice, a coach will offer individualized support and guidance, accountability,
connections with other student support services, and opportunities to reflect on the
goals and purpose of their college education.

Your College Success Coach will work with you and your student to identify the goals
and focus of the coaching relationship.

Each student is unique, which is why your
coach will take time to get to know your student; the guidance they receive will be
uniquely tailored to your student’s circumstances.

What Louis's Former Students Say:

"You always put me at ease and offered sage and realistic advice."

Ainsley T

"With Louis, I can see what it means to put moral ideals into practice. . .what it means to be an advisor and teacher and moral guide."

Geoffrey C

"During a time of life when I was often lost in abstractions, you consistently and gently pointed me back to my relationships with people and to being part of a community."

Dan K

Codetic

"I will always be indebted to you for your endless knowledge, wisdom, kindness, and advice. Most of all, your warmth and guidance as a mentor helped shape me into the person I am today."

Danny U

"Louis was (and continues to be) a compassionate and empathic mentor and advisor. During a particularly tough time. . . Louis was helpful, caring and understanding. I will never forget how carefully he listened to me and how kind his words were during that time."

Kate K

Louis Newman Is Availabe for Presentations, Workshops, and Webinars

He has spoken at these institutions

He has done presentations or webinars for these organizations and schools:

"Louis Newman is a compelling public speaker, who is able to introduce students to the core concepts of critical thinking in a manner that is both clear and accessible. His many years of experience working with undergraduates comes through in the ease with which he is able to speak and connect with them. We are grateful for the time he spent with the members of the Echols Scholars Program."

Karl Shuve

Director, Echols Scholars Program at UVA

“We had Dr. Newman visit during our three-day end of year faculty conference, and many faculty commented that his presentation was amazing. In fact, his talk was the #1 choice on the event evaluations as “most useful part of the conference.”

Kevin Yee

Director, Faculty Center for Teaching & Learning at UCF

"While many experts offer advice about college admission, Professor Louis Newman does something revolutionary: he tells us how to help students succeed in college. In his outstanding webinar, Dr. Newman describes the importance of developing critical thinking skills, not just as a means of academic success, but to prepare young people to become engaged, lifelong learners and productive members of society."

Charlene Margot

Co-Founder and CEO, The Parent Venture

"Louis' presentation as part of the Bay Area Case Studies program was candid, thoughtful, informative, and funny. Our audience of Silicon Valley parents gained tremendous insights about conducting a more intentional college search, building the skills to thrive as a college student, and most importantly, redefining success. From the start to the finish of our event planning process, Louis was wonderfully collaborative and collegial."

Joel Dobben

Director of College Counseling, Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton, CA

"Thank you so much, Professor Newman, for such an amazing workshop series on Critical Thinking. Our faculty at Al Akhawayn University felt extremely engaged in such an inspiring learning journey. Your innovative approach made this experience insightful, fruitful, and impactful."

Karim Moustaghfir

AVP for 21st Century Learning Innovation & Faculty Development, Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane (Morocco)

"Thank you so very much for speaking with our seniors as they head off to college in the fall. Your advice and tips are invaluable as they transition from high school to college and you highlighted several concrete and attainable ways they can be productive and successful college students. It's hard to imagine how different college might be from high school, but you helped them feel more confident and comfortable about the uncertainty ahead of them."

Anna Takahashi

Director of College Counseling, Eastside College Prep, Palo Alto, CA

"Louis Newman's workshop was incredibly informative and insightful for our incoming college freshmen. Louis delivered invaluable knowledge about succeeding in college that our students hadn't heard before, and he delivered it so accessibly. We are so grateful they could gain this knowledge from Louis and wholeheartedly recommend this workshop for other college students."

Izzy Stork

Program Manager, College and Career Success, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, NYC

"You did a masterful job of getting advisers to articulate their most important concerns about the students they advise, and of leading a probing, productive conversation around their specific concerns. You also gave us valuable practical advice on how, as advisers, we can help students manage their worries about the future and get the most out of their college experience. . . .Thanks, too, for the excellent presentation you gave to students while you were on campus. It was a highly engaging and well-organized talk that met students where they are, prompted them to reflect on the core purposes of college education, and gave them concrete suggestions on how to accomplish those purposes."

Andrew Bove

Associate Director of Academic Advising, Villanova University

We thoroughly enjoyed welcoming Louis to Haverford.  He clearly spent a tremendous amount of time preparing materials that were relevant both to mentors and students.  Students lined up after the presentation to ask him questions, which is a testament to his deep knowledge and engaging presentation style.

Kelly Wilcox

Dean of Student Success, Haverford College

Louis speaks to college faculty, students, and staff

  • College Success
  • Teaching Critical Thinking
  • Academic Advising
  • Faculty Development
  • Academic Leadership
  • Institutional Change
  • Curricular Development and Assessment.

He does presentations for high school students and their families

  • Choosing a College That’s Right for You
  • Preparing for College Academically
  • How to Cultivate Relationships With Faculty
  • Developing Study Skills That Work
  • Honing Your Critical Thinking Skills
  • How to Get the Most Out of Your College Education
He is also available to speak to college admissions consultants and their clients,  community organizations, and college access organizations.  For more information, contact Louis Newman at  coach@thinkingcritically.us, or complete the Contact Us form below.