How To Use This Course

M.A.T.A. is designed to be self-paced, but it’s recommended that students take one week to complete each lesson. Some terminology may be familiar from classes you took in college. As a result, you should be able to find PLENTY of supplementary information online if you need more examples or definitions.

This is not, however, a college course. It is a real-world crash course on critical thinking and informal logic. As you will find, learning and understanding the concepts covered will make conversations easier and more productive, reduce confusion, uncover options for problem-solving, and produce various other life-improving outcomes.

Purpose

This course was made to introduce basic critical thinking skills to people who have not had (or have forgotten) formal training in introductory reasoning. It is a perfect companion to Wellness Through Wisdom - where the connection between thinking well and living well is discussed using less formal techniques - but can be taken independently.

If you already attended the M.A.T.A. Masterclass, you will recognize many of the concepts. Here, they will be fleshed-out and assignments will give you the opportunity to delve even deeper into understanding and re-developing YOUR cognitive roadmap - again, in order to encourage thinking well.

Suggested Materials

• Journal - Hand-written, electronic, in a dedicated app, on a white board, or via social media. However you do it, this will be how you keep track of your activities, reflections, gems, and progress.
• An open mind - Although I used to teach in a formal college setting, it’s important that you see how the concepts covered are relevant to your day-to-day life. If at any time you think that you want more information on a subject, go with it! Seek out supplementary sources to fill gaps in our scope.