Do you worry that doom scrolling is hindering your ability to think? Is information overload becoming a problem? Have you lost your ability to be critical in your reading and writing? Do you want to be able to summarise information succinctly and express yourself clearly? If so, then this course will help teach you to critically read and write.

Check out the course webpage for more details!

Course Structure

This course will take the form of eight weekly modules. In each module there will be a 20 minute video lecture, a 90 minute class on Zoom, a list of resources for reading, watching, or listening, a shared group chat on Signal, and e-mail access to the course instructor.

The Zoom sessions for this event are at

Tuesday 7:00 pm NZST
Tuesday 5:00 pm AEST

Course Instructor

Dr. Phill Simpson is an award winning author, teacher and educational consultant with over 20 years teaching experience in the classroom. He holds a Doctorate in Education and a Masters degree in Creative Writing. He is particularly interested in the writing process, and is a strong advocate of literacy in both children and adults. 

He brings his own experiences as a creative writer to his sessions. Phill has published over 100-chapter books and 9 novels. Much of his published content is for the education market in NZ, Australia, the U.S, U.K and China. In addition, he has written several assessment and comprehension guides as well as books on how to teach creative writing.

Phill holds a Doctorate in Education (EdD), where he investigated how teachers teach creative writing, often focusing on the use of digital technology. As well as education and teaching qualifications, he also holds a Masters in Creative Writing.

When not writing, he works as a teacher and educational consultant. Phill lives and writes in Auckland, New Zealand, with his wife Rose, their son, Jack, and their border terrier, Baxter.

Course Modules

Week 1: Introduction to Critical Reading and Writing

Understanding the importance of critical reading and writing skills. Differentiating between summary, analysis, and critique

Week 2: Developing Effective Reading Strategies

Active reading techniques and annotation methods. Identifying author's purpose, tone, and argument. Practice exercises in active reading and annotation

Week 3: Analyzing Texts for Meaning and Structure

Recognizing different text structures (e.g., argumentative, narrative). Analyzing how structure influences meaning and interpretation

Week 4: Evaluating Sources and Evidence

Assessing credibility, bias, and reliability of sources. Evaluating evidence and supporting arguments. Critical review of an academic article or news piece

Week 5: Developing a Critical Writing Style

Crafting clear and concise thesis statements. Writing with clarity, coherence, and precision. Drafting and revising a persuasive essay

Week 6: Engaging with Different Perspectives

Considering multiple viewpoints and counterarguments. Constructing effective rebuttals and responses. Debate or discussion forum on a controversial topic

Week 7: Ethical Considerations in Critical Writing

Understanding plagiarism and academic integrity. Citing sources correctly 

Week 8: Final Projects and Reflection

Finalizing and presenting the critical essay (voluntary). Reflecting on personal growth and future application