For students coming to the subject for the first time, 03 Sep 2007
This book was first published over ten years ago, so thousands of teachers and students must have benefited from it over this time. It provides a really approachable introduction to Critical Thinking and for those who are looking for such an introduction, I haven't come across a better one. It doesn't pretend to be an advanced text but is written for students coming to the subject for the first time. It covers both analysis and evaluation of arguments, with good use of examples and exercises. Read it and never think incritically again!

Critical Thinking book, 11 Jun 2005
I have used this book in my AS studies and it was really useful, is actually written by the chief examiner. Also has questions with the answers so you can see if you understand/doing it right! worth buying!

Use it as an introduction, 18 Dec 2004
This book is very simplistic. The philosophical arguments aren't really explored, only to a very superficial level, and there is very little theory to support anything. As an introduction to critical thinking, it is excellent if you have no experience, and can lay a good foundation for one of the more advanced books, but this will only lay a foundation. I would recommend it for the GCSE student, or even the public house critical thinker, but for A level and uni, go for something else instead.

A clear and straightforward introduction to the subject., 08 Jan 2001
This is an excellent handbook for students of AS Critical Thinking. It is divided into chapters on identifying arguments, analysing simple arguments, finding more detail in arguments, exploring weaknesses, finding strengths, and applying skills. Each chapter includes clearly expressed examples, and there are short exercises (with answers!) to support each short section, as well as case studies and suggestions for further activities. Roy Van den Brink Budgen has written a book teachers will find invaluable.

For students coming to the subject for the first time, 03 Sep 2007
This book was first published over ten years ago, so thousands of teachers and students must have benefited from it over this time. It provides a really approachable introduction to Critical Thinking and for those who are looking for such an introduction, I haven't come across a better one. It doesn't pretend to be an advanced text but is written for students coming to the subject for the first time. It covers both analysis and evaluation of arguments, with good use of examples and exercises. Read it and never think incritically again!

Critical Thinking book, 11 Jun 2005
I have used this book in my AS studies and it was really useful, is actually written by the chief examiner. Also has questions with the answers so you can see if you understand/doing it right! worth buying!

Use it as an introduction, 18 Dec 2004
This book is very simplistic. The philosophical arguments aren't really explored, only to a very superficial level, and there is very little theory to support anything. As an introduction to critical thinking, it is excellent if you have no experience, and can lay a good foundation for one of the more advanced books, but this will only lay a foundation. I would recommend it for the GCSE student, or even the public house critical thinker, but for A level and uni, go for something else instead.

A clear and straightforward introduction to the subject., 08 Jan 2001
This is an excellent handbook for students of AS Critical Thinking. It is divided into chapters on identifying arguments, analysing simple arguments, finding more detail in arguments, exploring weaknesses, finding strengths, and applying skills. Each chapter includes clearly expressed examples, and there are short exercises (with answers!) to support each short section, as well as case studies and suggestions for further activities. Roy Van den Brink Budgen has written a book teachers will find invaluable.

Health warning: Laugh aloud humour with some corny jokes., 22 Jun 2007
If this is the introduction, bring on the full volume! This is a very funny, intelligent and thought provoking book. I loved it and have a waiting list for my copy. Get your own! A gentle introduction to Thinking Skills, suitable for all ages. Highly recommended.

For students coming to the subject for the first time, 03 Sep 2007
This book was first published over ten years ago, so thousands of teachers and students must have benefited from it over this time. It provides a really approachable introduction to Critical Thinking and for those who are looking for such an introduction, I haven't come across a better one. It doesn't pretend to be an advanced text but is written for students coming to the subject for the first time. It covers both analysis and evaluation of arguments, with good use of examples and exercises. Read it and never think incritically again!

Critical Thinking book, 11 Jun 2005
I have used this book in my AS studies and it was really useful, is actually written by the chief examiner. Also has questions with the answers so you can see if you understand/doing it right! worth buying!

Use it as an introduction, 18 Dec 2004
This book is very simplistic. The philosophical arguments aren't really explored, only to a very superficial level, and there is very little theory to support anything. As an introduction to critical thinking, it is excellent if you have no experience, and can lay a good foundation for one of the more advanced books, but this will only lay a foundation. I would recommend it for the GCSE student, or even the public house critical thinker, but for A level and uni, go for something else instead.

A clear and straightforward introduction to the subject., 08 Jan 2001
This is an excellent handbook for students of AS Critical Thinking. It is divided into chapters on identifying arguments, analysing simple arguments, finding more detail in arguments, exploring weaknesses, finding strengths, and applying skills. Each chapter includes clearly expressed examples, and there are short exercises (with answers!) to support each short section, as well as case studies and suggestions for further activities. Roy Van den Brink Budgen has written a book teachers will find invaluable.

Health warning: Laugh aloud humour with some corny jokes., 22 Jun 2007
If this is the introduction, bring on the full volume! This is a very funny, intelligent and thought provoking book. I loved it and have a waiting list for my copy. Get your own! A gentle introduction to Thinking Skills, suitable for all ages. Highly recommended.



An excellent tool kit for introducing Lateral Thinking to the workplace, 18 Oct 2007
This book is many things in one simple digestible volume. The books primary focus is the steps and environment required to introduce and encourage lateral thinking in the workplace. As its title states the book is about the skills needed for lateral thinking rather then teaching the reader to think laterally. The book comes packed with tools and techniques and has many examples of the power of lateral thinking and the results it has brought. To round the book off it contains a course which is aimed at senior management; the aim of this course is to pull together everything in the book and teach the participants about lateral thinking, it's application and the changes they will need to make to allow lateral thinking to develop in their staff.

The only downside is that whilst the book has many different tools they are not introduced in depth and very few examples of their use is given. Pairing this book with something like Thinkertoys would make for an all round approach.

So if you want create the environment or define the steps for lateral thinking then this book is for you. If you want to learn detailed Lateral thinking methods look elsewhere.

Breaking out of the thinking straitjacket, 10 Apr 2007
In Chapter 11, Paul Sloane remarks that 'many of the rules that apply in businesses were set in earlier times and have endured by force of habit'. The main objective of the book is to give the reader tools and tips for becoming a lateral leader and empowering colleagues to challenge these rules, often by thinking the apparently unthinkable. This objective is 100% achieved.
Each Chapter ends with a lateral thinking puzzle to illustrate the importance of 'thinking outside the box' when trying to solve a problem creatively, and with a number of Exercises with titles like Brainstorming, Reverse the Problem and What If?

Perhaps the best examples of the personal habits to be overcome in building a lateral thinking team are the tendency to jump to conclusions, impatience to offer solutions, and reluctance to listen properly to other people's ideas.

The author successfuly shows us how to cast aside the blinkers and find the best answers to even the most intractable problems.



At last, some unconventional wisdom!, 07 Mar 2007
At times when management literature abides with dos and donts based on conventional wisdom, here is a powerful defender of the values of unconventional wisdom. Paul Sloane makes a strong case for innovation and lateral thinking in business, where doing new, different things in new, different ways is more important than doing the same things more efficiently. The book is rich with examples from the real world where creative thinking and action have led to astonishing successes (even after numerous failed attempts)and examples where conservatism and conventional thinking have led to obsolescence or catastrophe. The author argues that creative skills can and should be developed at the individual level, the team level and the company level and the book abounds with tips and techniques to help people and organizations expand their potential for innovation. Lateral thinking puzzles placed at the end of each chapter, help reinforce the fact that we all think "in boxes" with assumptions and preconceptions that do not always correspond to reality. An excellent book.


Intelligent, practical and readable, 26 Feb 2007
This is a delightfully fresh approach to a very well-worn subject: how to enable innovation and creativity in business. Paul Sloane sets out the vital importance of innovation in modern business, using a very wide range of stimulating examples and case studies. He also offers a number of very practical methods businesses can use to encourage and foster a climate of innovation. You won't find all the techniques useful, but there's such a broad spread there's bound to be a few which work for any particular business.
The writing is intelligent but very readable, so it works on two levels: as a light, thought-provoking read and as a practical manual for taking action with a particular business.



Genuinely does "what it says on the tin", 19 Feb 2007
Very readable, down-to-earth, highly practical and yet also totally inspiring, this book does much more than simply tell you that innovation in business is important - it actually shows you what that means in practice and HOW to make it happen. Through games, exercises, puzzles and challenges, it helps to release your own creative ability and to show in very realistic and achievable ways how you can extend that to your whole team. I am normally sceptical of management books, and find most of them unbearably smug. This one isn't at all: more than anything it feels REAL, and very energising. I never used to think of myself as a particularly creative person, but I have approached my work with a completely different attitude since reading this excellent book, and recommend it whole-heartedly to anyone who wants to release extra "buzz" in themselves or their team.

For students coming to the subject for the first time, 03 Sep 2007
This book was first published over ten years ago, so thousands of teachers and students must have benefited from it over this time. It provides a really approachable introduction to Critical Thinking and for those who are looking for such an introduction, I haven't come across a better one. It doesn't pretend to be an advanced text but is written for students coming to the subject for the first time. It covers both analysis and evaluation of arguments, with good use of examples and exercises. Read it and never think incritically again!

Critical Thinking book, 11 Jun 2005
I have used this book in my AS studies and it was really useful, is actually written by the chief examiner. Also has questions with the answers so you can see if you understand/doing it right! worth buying!

Use it as an introduction, 18 Dec 2004
This book is very simplistic. The philosophical arguments aren't really explored, only to a very superficial level, and there is very little theory to support anything. As an introduction to critical thinking, it is excellent if you have no experience, and can lay a good foundation for one of the more advanced books, but this will only lay a foundation. I would recommend it for the GCSE student, or even the public house critical thinker, but for A level and uni, go for something else instead.

A clear and straightforward introduction to the subject., 08 Jan 2001
This is an excellent handbook for students of AS Critical Thinking. It is divided into chapters on identifying arguments, analysing simple arguments, finding more detail in arguments, exploring weaknesses, finding strengths, and applying skills. Each chapter includes clearly expressed examples, and there are short exercises (with answers!) to support each short section, as well as case studies and suggestions for further activities. Roy Van den Brink Budgen has written a book teachers will find invaluable.

Health warning: Laugh aloud humour with some corny jokes., 22 Jun 2007
If this is the introduction, bring on the full volume! This is a very funny, intelligent and thought provoking book. I loved it and have a waiting list for my copy. Get your own! A gentle introduction to Thinking Skills, suitable for all ages. Highly recommended.



An excellent tool kit for introducing Lateral Thinking to the workplace, 18 Oct 2007
This book is many things in one simple digestible volume. The books primary focus is the steps and environment required to introduce and encourage lateral thinking in the workplace. As its title states the book is about the skills needed for lateral thinking rather then teaching the reader to think laterally. The book comes packed with tools and techniques and has many examples of the power of lateral thinking and the results it has brought. To round the book off it contains a course which is aimed at senior management; the aim of this course is to pull together everything in the book and teach the participants about lateral thinking, it's application and the changes they will need to make to allow lateral thinking to develop in their staff.

The only downside is that whilst the book has many different tools they are not introduced in depth and very few examples of their use is given. Pairing this book with something like Thinkertoys would make for an all round approach.

So if you want create the environment or define the steps for lateral thinking then this book is for you. If you want to learn detailed Lateral thinking methods look elsewhere.

Breaking out of the thinking straitjacket, 10 Apr 2007
In Chapter 11, Paul Sloane remarks that 'many of the rules that apply in businesses were set in earlier times and have endured by force of habit'. The main objective of the book is to give the reader tools and tips for becoming a lateral leader and empowering colleagues to challenge these rules, often by thinking the apparently unthinkable. This objective is 100% achieved.
Each Chapter ends with a lateral thinking puzzle to illustrate the importance of 'thinking outside the box' when trying to solve a problem creatively, and with a number of Exercises with titles like Brainstorming, Reverse the Problem and What If?

Perhaps the best examples of the personal habits to be overcome in building a lateral thinking team are the tendency to jump to conclusions, impatience to offer solutions, and reluctance to listen properly to other people's ideas.

The author successfuly shows us how to cast aside the blinkers and find the best answers to even the most intractable problems.



At last, some unconventional wisdom!, 07 Mar 2007
At times when management literature abides with dos and donts based on conventional wisdom, here is a powerful defender of the values of unconventional wisdom. Paul Sloane makes a strong case for innovation and lateral thinking in business, where doing new, different things in new, different ways is more important than doing the same things more efficiently. The book is rich with examples from the real world where creative thinking and action have led to astonishing successes (even after numerous failed attempts)and examples where conservatism and conventional thinking have led to obsolescence or catastrophe. The author argues that creative skills can and should be developed at the individual level, the team level and the company level and the book abounds with tips and techniques to help people and organizations expand their potential for innovation. Lateral thinking puzzles placed at the end of each chapter, help reinforce the fact that we all think "in boxes" with assumptions and preconceptions that do not always correspond to reality. An excellent book.


Intelligent, practical and readable, 26 Feb 2007
This is a delightfully fresh approach to a very well-worn subject: how to enable innovation and creativity in business. Paul Sloane sets out the vital importance of innovation in modern business, using a very wide range of stimulating examples and case studies. He also offers a number of very practical methods businesses can use to encourage and foster a climate of innovation. You won't find all the techniques useful, but there's such a broad spread there's bound to be a few which work for any particular business.
The writing is intelligent but very readable, so it works on two levels: as a light, thought-provoking read and as a practical manual for taking action with a particular business.



Genuinely does "what it says on the tin", 19 Feb 2007
Very readable, down-to-earth, highly practical and yet also totally inspiring, this book does much more than simply tell you that innovation in business is important - it actually shows you what that means in practice and HOW to make it happen. Through games, exercises, puzzles and challenges, it helps to release your own creative ability and to show in very realistic and achievable ways how you can extend that to your whole team. I am normally sceptical of management books, and find most of them unbearably smug. This one isn't at all: more than anything it feels REAL, and very energising. I never used to think of myself as a particularly creative person, but I have approached my work with a completely different attitude since reading this excellent book, and recommend it whole-heartedly to anyone who wants to release extra "buzz" in themselves or their team.


Good book, but a lot of work, 17 Apr 2005
This is an excellent book, essentially presenting a course of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). However it is not light reading - you do have to work on it. It has lots of practical exercises to go through but you have to be disciplined to go through it all.

For students coming to the subject for the first time, 03 Sep 2007
This book was first published over ten years ago, so thousands of teachers and students must have benefited from it over this time. It provides a really approachable introduction to Critical Thinking and for those who are looking for such an introduction, I haven't come across a better one. It doesn't pretend to be an advanced text but is written for students coming to the subject for the first time. It covers both analysis and evaluation of arguments, with good use of examples and exercises. Read it and never think incritically again!

Critical Thinking book, 11 Jun 2005
I have used this book in my AS studies and it was really useful, is actually written by the chief examiner. Also has questions with the answers so you can see if you understand/doing it right! worth buying!

Use it as an introduction, 18 Dec 2004
This book is very simplistic. The philosophical arguments aren't really explored, only to a very superficial level, and there is very little theory to support anything. As an introduction to critical thinking, it is excellent if you have no experience, and can lay a good foundation for one of the more advanced books, but this will only lay a foundation. I would recommend it for the GCSE student, or even the public house critical thinker, but for A level and uni, go for something else instead.

A clear and straightforward introduction to the subject., 08 Jan 2001
This is an excellent handbook for students of AS Critical Thinking. It is divided into chapters on identifying arguments, analysing simple arguments, finding more detail in arguments, exploring weaknesses, finding strengths, and applying skills. Each chapter includes clearly expressed examples, and there are short exercises (with answers!) to support each short section, as well as case studies and suggestions for further activities. Roy Van den Brink Budgen has written a book teachers will find invaluable.

Health warning: Laugh aloud humour with some corny jokes., 22 Jun 2007
If this is the introduction, bring on the full volume! This is a very funny, intelligent and thought provoking book. I loved it and have a waiting list for my copy. Get your own! A gentle introduction to Thinking Skills, suitable for all ages. Highly recommended.



An excellent tool kit for introducing Lateral Thinking to the workplace, 18 Oct 2007
This book is many things in one simple digestible volume. The books primary focus is the steps and environment required to introduce and encourage lateral thinking in the workplace. As its title states the book is about the skills needed for lateral thinking rather then teaching the reader to think laterally. The book comes packed with tools and techniques and has many examples of the power of lateral thinking and the results it has brought. To round the book off it contains a course which is aimed at senior management; the aim of this course is to pull together everything in the book and teach the participants about lateral thinking, it's application and the changes they will need to make to allow lateral thinking to develop in their staff.

The only downside is that whilst the book has many different tools they are not introduced in depth and very few examples of their use is given. Pairing this book with something like Thinkertoys would make for an all round approach.

So if you want create the environment or define the steps for lateral thinking then this book is for you. If you want to learn detailed Lateral thinking methods look elsewhere.

Breaking out of the thinking straitjacket, 10 Apr 2007
In Chapter 11, Paul Sloane remarks that 'many of the rules that apply in businesses were set in earlier times and have endured by force of habit'. The main objective of the book is to give the reader tools and tips for becoming a lateral leader and empowering colleagues to challenge these rules, often by thinking the apparently unthinkable. This objective is 100% achieved.
Each Chapter ends with a lateral thinking puzzle to illustrate the importance of 'thinking outside the box' when trying to solve a problem creatively, and with a number of Exercises with titles like Brainstorming, Reverse the Problem and What If?

Perhaps the best examples of the personal habits to be overcome in building a lateral thinking team are the tendency to jump to conclusions, impatience to offer solutions, and reluctance to listen properly to other people's ideas.

The author successfuly shows us how to cast aside the blinkers and find the best answers to even the most intractable problems.



At last, some unconventional wisdom!, 07 Mar 2007
At times when management literature abides with dos and donts based on conventional wisdom, here is a powerful defender of the values of unconventional wisdom. Paul Sloane makes a strong case for innovation and lateral thinking in business, where doing new, different things in new, different ways is more important than doing the same things more efficiently. The book is rich with examples from the real world where creative thinking and action have led to astonishing successes (even after numerous failed attempts)and examples where conservatism and conventional thinking have led to obsolescence or catastrophe. The author argues that creative skills can and should be developed at the individual level, the team level and the company level and the book abounds with tips and techniques to help people and organizations expand their potential for innovation. Lateral thinking puzzles placed at the end of each chapter, help reinforce the fact that we all think "in boxes" with assumptions and preconceptions that do not always correspond to reality. An excellent book.


Intelligent, practical and readable, 26 Feb 2007
This is a delightfully fresh approach to a very well-worn subject: how to enable innovation and creativity in business. Paul Sloane sets out the vital importance of innovation in modern business, using a very wide range of stimulating examples and case studies. He also offers a number of very practical methods businesses can use to encourage and foster a climate of innovation. You won't find all the techniques useful, but there's such a broad spread there's bound to be a few which work for any particular business.
The writing is intelligent but very readable, so it works on two levels: as a light, thought-provoking read and as a practical manual for taking action with a particular business.



Genuinely does "what it says on the tin", 19 Feb 2007
Very readable, down-to-earth, highly practical and yet also totally inspiring, this book does much more than simply tell you that innovation in business is important - it actually shows you what that means in practice and HOW to make it happen. Through games, exercises, puzzles and challenges, it helps to release your own creative ability and to show in very realistic and achievable ways how you can extend that to your whole team. I am normally sceptical of management books, and find most of them unbearably smug. This one isn't at all: more than anything it feels REAL, and very energising. I never used to think of myself as a particularly creative person, but I have approached my work with a completely different attitude since reading this excellent book, and recommend it whole-heartedly to anyone who wants to release extra "buzz" in themselves or their team.


Good book, but a lot of work, 17 Apr 2005
This is an excellent book, essentially presenting a course of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). However it is not light reading - you do have to work on it. It has lots of practical exercises to go through but you have to be disciplined to go through it all.

The book that could and should initiate a revolution in education, 27 Feb 2008
C J Simister has produced a book that all schools and teachers should seriously consider using. It is the easiest thing in the world for children just to accept what they are taught without questioning or analysis; it is one of the hardest things for them to think 'outside the box' and not be afraid of being wrong. This book provides ways of countering these traits. From my own experience I have noticed pupils who have been taught thinking skills steadily become more confident and creative learners and are able to tackle problems in a wider variety of ways. This book provides a host of ideas for thinking skills in the primary sector. The plans are very clearly written and backed up with excellent resources and the lessons they lead to are fun for the teachers and pupils alike. However, more importantly, they provide 'thinking tools' which can be absorbed into mainstream subjects. Eventually, the thinking strategies in this book will surely become mainstream too.

No need to re-invent the wheel!, 27 Feb 2008
This book provides a tried and tested whole school (primary) programme for thinking and learning skills. Based in solid theory and real classroom experience it offers lesson plans, resources, CDROM and ideas for enriching teaching in years 1 to 6. Activities can be used as seen or adpated and taken forward. If you are serious about preparing your pupils for life and learning in 21st Century, then this book will provide a super foundation to develop their skills of thinking and problem solving. Save yourself some time - use this wheel instead of inventing your own.

For students coming to the subject for the first time, 03 Sep 2007
This book was first published over ten years ago, so thousands of teachers and students must have benefited from it over this time. It provides a really approachable introduction to Critical Thinking and for those who are looking for such an introduction, I haven't come across a better one. It doesn't pretend to be an advanced text but is written for students coming to the subject for the first time. It covers both analysis and evaluation of arguments, with good use of examples and exercises. Read it and never think incritically again!

Critical Thinking book, 11 Jun 2005
I have used this book in my AS studies and it was really useful, is actually written by the chief examiner. Also has questions with the answers so you can see if you understand/doing it right! worth buying!

Use it as an introduction, 18 Dec 2004
This book is very simplistic. The philosophical arguments aren't really explored, only to a very superficial level, and there is very little theory to support anything. As an introduction to critical thinking, it is excellent if you have no experience, and can lay a good foundation for one of the more advanced books, but this will only lay a foundation. I would recommend it for the GCSE student, or even the public house critical thinker, but for A level and uni, go for something else instead.

A clear and straightforward introduction to the subject., 08 Jan 2001
This is an excellent handbook for students of AS Critical Thinking. It is divided into chapters on identifying arguments, analysing simple arguments, finding more detail in arguments, exploring weaknesses, finding strengths, and applying skills. Each chapter includes clearly expressed examples, and there are short exercises (with answers!) to support each short section, as well as case studies and suggestions for further activities. Roy Van den Brink Budgen has written a book teachers will find invaluable.

Health warning: Laugh aloud humour with some corny jokes., 22 Jun 2007
If this is the introduction, bring on the full volume! This is a very funny, intelligent and thought provoking book. I loved it and have a waiting list for my copy. Get your own! A gentle introduction to Thinking Skills, suitable for all ages. Highly recommended.



An excellent tool kit for introducing Lateral Thinking to the workplace, 18 Oct 2007
This book is many things in one simple digestible volume. The books primary focus is the steps and environment required to introduce and encourage lateral thinking in the workplace. As its title states the book is about the skills needed for lateral thinking rather then teaching the reader to think laterally. The book comes packed with tools and techniques and has many examples of the power of lateral thinking and the results it has brought. To round the book off it contains a course which is aimed at senior management; the aim of this course is to pull together everything in the book and teach the participants about lateral thinking, it's application and the changes they will need to make to allow lateral thinking to develop in their staff.

The only downside is that whilst the book has many different tools they are not introduced in depth and very few examples of their use is given. Pairing this book with something like Thinkertoys would make for an all round approach.

So if you want create the environment or define the steps for lateral thinking then this book is for you. If you want to learn detailed Lateral thinking methods look elsewhere.

Breaking out of the thinking straitjacket, 10 Apr 2007
In Chapter 11, Paul Sloane remarks that 'many of the rules that apply in businesses were set in earlier times and have endured by force of habit'. The main objective of the book is to give the reader tools and tips for becoming a lateral leader and empowering colleagues to challenge these rules, often by thinking the apparently unthinkable. This objective is 100% achieved.
Each Chapter ends with a lateral thinking puzzle to illustrate the importance of 'thinking outside the box' when trying to solve a problem creatively, and with a number of Exercises with titles like Brainstorming, Reverse the Problem and What If?

Perhaps the best examples of the personal habits to be overcome in building a lateral thinking team are the tendency to jump to conclusions, impatience to offer solutions, and reluctance to listen properly to other people's ideas.

The author successfuly shows us how to cast aside the blinkers and find the best answers to even the most intractable problems.



At last, some unconventional wisdom!, 07 Mar 2007
At times when management literature abides with dos and donts based on conventional wisdom, here is a powerful defender of the values of unconventional wisdom. Paul Sloane makes a strong case for innovation and lateral thinking in business, where doing new, different things in new, different ways is more important than doing the same things more efficiently. The book is rich with examples from the real world where creative thinking and action have led to astonishing successes (even after numerous failed attempts)and examples where conservatism and conventional thinking have led to obsolescence or catastrophe. The author argues that creative skills can and should be developed at the individual level, the team level and the company level and the book abounds with tips and techniques to help people and organizations expand their potential for innovation. Lateral thinking puzzles placed at the end of each chapter, help reinforce the fact that we all think "in boxes" with assumptions and preconceptions that do not always correspond to reality. An excellent book.


Intelligent, practical and readable, 26 Feb 2007
This is a delightfully fresh approach to a very well-worn subject: how to enable innovation and creativity in business. Paul Sloane sets out the vital importance of innovation in modern business, using a very wide range of stimulating examples and case studies. He also offers a number of very practical methods businesses can use to encourage and foster a climate of innovation. You won't find all the techniques useful, but there's such a broad spread there's bound to be a few which work for any particular business.
The writing is intelligent but very readable, so it works on two levels: as a light, thought-provoking read and as a practical manual for taking action with a particular business.



Genuinely does "what it says on the tin", 19 Feb 2007
Very readable, down-to-earth, highly practical and yet also totally inspiring, this book does much more than simply tell you that innovation in business is important - it actually shows you what that means in practice and HOW to make it happen. Through games, exercises, puzzles and challenges, it helps to release your own creative ability and to show in very realistic and achievable ways how you can extend that to your whole team. I am normally sceptical of management books, and find most of them unbearably smug. This one isn't at all: more than anything it feels REAL, and very energising. I never used to think of myself as a particularly creative person, but I have approached my work with a completely different attitude since reading this excellent book, and recommend it whole-heartedly to anyone who wants to release extra "buzz" in themselves or their team.


Good book, but a lot of work, 17 Apr 2005
This is an excellent book, essentially presenting a course of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). However it is not light reading - you do have to work on it. It has lots of practical exercises to go through but you have to be disciplined to go through it all.

The book that could and should initiate a revolution in education, 27 Feb 2008
C J Simister has produced a book that all schools and teachers should seriously consider using. It is the easiest thing in the world for children just to accept what they are taught without questioning or analysis; it is one of the hardest things for them to think 'outside the box' and not be afraid of being wrong. This book provides ways of countering these traits. From my own experience I have noticed pupils who have been taught thinking skills steadily become more confident and creative learners and are able to tackle problems in a wider variety of ways. This book provides a host of ideas for thinking skills in the primary sector. The plans are very clearly written and backed up with excellent resources and the lessons they lead to are fun for the teachers and pupils alike. However, more importantly, they provide 'thinking tools' which can be absorbed into mainstream subjects. Eventually, the thinking strategies in this book will surely become mainstream too.

No need to re-invent the wheel!, 27 Feb 2008
This book provides a tried and tested whole school (primary) programme for thinking and learning skills. Based in solid theory and real classroom experience it offers lesson plans, resources, CDROM and ideas for enriching teaching in years 1 to 6. Activities can be used as seen or adpated and taken forward. If you are serious about preparing your pupils for life and learning in 21st Century, then this book will provide a super foundation to develop their skills of thinking and problem solving. Save yourself some time - use this wheel instead of inventing your own.

A breakthrough in mind mapping!, 04 Oct 2000
This is a well argued and thorough examination of the applications of mapping techniques for educators. It goes beyond the well worn Buzan material and freshens up thinking about visual literacy and about independence of thinking. The arguements about language triangles are particularly useful. I took some of the exercises and used them with my class the next day.

The best book on mind / concept / model mapping ever, 01 Oct 2000
This is the ultimate guide to what Buzan calls mind mapping and the Harris and Caviglioli call Model Mapping. It totally demystifies map making. After years of trying I now have total confidence in how to do it myself, how to teach it to my pupils and how to use it as part of my classroom practice.In particular I now know that all my students are developing their thinking skills in my lessons. The Mapwise chapters chart the history of maps; how to go about making a map, how to teach mapping; thinking skills and mapping; improving communication between teachers and learners and MapWise classrooms in action. This is honestly a GREAT resource for teachers and I believe it is the ultimate guide to one of the most powerful accelerated learning techniques around. Any teacher seriously interested in raising levels of motivation, pupil interest and participation (as well as results!)should get one. Oh yes I forgot to mention that... I got special mention in my appraisal for the quality and diversity of my planning because of it...This is in spite of the fact that I spend 60% less time marking and planning than I used to!

a book which looks as good as it reads, 27 Sep 2000
This book is a fascinating insight into mind mapping - how it works, how it can be used to develop thinking and how it can go beyond the Buzan method. It is really strong on practical applications for learning and it is organised in such a way to make it easy to map your way through