Logic Essentials: Thinking Skills Camp

To know what a concept is and how we form them.
To know rules and standards for forming concepts.
To know what a definition is and how it is important.
To know rules of forming good definitions, and how they are contextual. 
To know some rules for classifying concepts.
To know what induction is and how we use it.
To know rules for forming valid generalizations. 
To know what cognitive integration is and rules for practicing it. 

I have a degree in Philosophy, but have also studied logic and epistemology through the years, and have studied the history of science. Students have learned deep logic from me even when studying some other subject like math, SAT/ACT, physical fitness, or physics. 

What matters is not so much my credentials (which, yes!, I have, as you can see in my profile bio), but the success of my students. 

Those successes are any teacher's real credentials. Here are some:

“Great overview of what geometry class will be like in the upcoming school year. It teaches you how to think about geometry, and the importance of logic and systematic thinking in general.”
–Gita S., parent, “Summer Geometry Preview/Review, Session 1,” 28 Jun 2020

"Michael Gold’s 'Summer Geometry Preview/Review' was a in-depth yet efficient way (8-classes over a two-week period @ 1.5 hours per class) to get a preview of what to expect in the fall. My daughter wants to stay sharp over the summer (around the fun and relaxation that all kids need) and the structure of a class that meets live is the only option for us. Also, the class was comprised of like-minded students and a nice group of kids.

"We first came to know Mr. Gold through his 'Logic Essentials: How to Think Well' class. I highly recommend this class because logic and deductive reasoning are the cornerstones of thinking well. We need our kids to flag poor arguments and discern the truth. Unless you are attending an elite prep school, I don’t know where you would find exposure to a class like this. I am so grateful that Mr. Gold makes this class offering available. So when I shared Mr. Gold’s Geometry offering with my daughter, she wanted to sign up knowing he is a wonderful teacher.

"What was most telling – my daughter never forgot about the class date or time. I know Mr. Gold is engaging because if I walked past her room, she was never distracted. He connected with kids on all fronts using lecture, illustrating problems on the board and showing YouTube videos. He has a warm personality, inflection in his voice and good sense humor. After each class ended, my daughter wanted to show me her notes and explain a problem set she learned. Also, I received a detailed email from Mr. Gold outlining everything that was covered in each class, along with links to videos, books, geometry worksheets and more. I also appreciate that homework was optional – your child can leisurely gain exposure or go all out on mastering the subject matter – there’s no pressure.

"Michael Gold has high standards for teaching and truly cares about his students. My family joins his long list of five star reviews because he’s that good. My daughter and I highly recommend Mr. Gold’s ‘Summer Geometry Preview/Review’ and ‘Logic Essentials: How to Think Well’. We enthusiastically encourage you to sign up for any class he teaches!"
–Mary B, parent, “Summer Geometry Preview/Review, Session 1,” 19 Aug 2020

Dylan T, ex-high school student, said when in his 20s: "I really did learn more than geometry and math taking classes with you. I learned to reason and use logic to start solving things in everyday life. It’s pretty useful at work when I use reasoning to find root causes, and to find and fix problems. You teach people how to THINK!"

Joe S, ex-high school student, said when in his 20s: "I tutored with Michael for physics and calculus at the end of my senior year of high school in order to prepare myself for my first semester of engineering at Texas A&M University. Not only was I prepared enough to feel comfortable and excel in the coursework my 1st semester but Michael introduced me to thinking about problems as a whole and inductively (a thought process which has helped in every form of learning). To this day, 7 years later, I still use this method to help me solve problems and learn, in work and in life, more effectively. I highly recommend Michael to anyone looking to not only improve their grades but also to improve their ability to problem-solve and appreciate learning."

Jacob L, ex-high school student, said when in his 20s:  “Michael provokes and encourages logical, rational thinking that you will use beyond your time with him. He helped me develop critical thinking that immensely benefited me. He will teach you how to deconstruct complex problems and come to a decision yourself.”

Rajiv R, ex-junior high and high school student, said when in his 20s:  "Michael sets the standard for excellence among tutoring services. I was a student of Michael Gold for around 7 years, and the education I received has had an immeasurably positive impact on my life.

"I originally only sought out tutoring for Geometry & Algebra, during middle school, in order to place into higher level math classes. I found the tutoring to be so valuable that I continued my lessons even after placing into and acing my desired courses -- I received tutoring in math through high school and some of college (all the way up to 3D Calculus). Additionally, I received tutoring for English and Grammar, Physics, SAT prep and more.

"Gold's tutoring helped me achieve A's in my classes and great scores on standardized tests, but this was just the 'tip of the iceberg.' With each lesson I also learned how to better think logically, carefully, and reasonably. These skills are essential to life and have helped me immensely - I still use the learning/study methods I developed through Gold's lessons to earn top scores in many college courses and to do well in my work and hobbies.

"I will forever be grateful to Gold Academy, and highly recommend the service to any student who is looking to start learning, thinking and living."

Case study:
Rajiv R, who I tutored privately for several years, said he earned a 102 in Immunology at a major Texas university, the highest grade his Professor had given in 20 years of teaching that course. But I did not tutor him in Immunology. I do not know Immunology. While working with him in high school math and science, I taught him (1) how to reason and be logical, (2) how science really works, not how it is often regarded, (3) how to study and memorize. He took those tools and achieved excellence on his own, going beyond all other students from around the country. 

In a high school animal science course, Raj gave a presentation to three trained, degreed, experienced veterinarians. He discussed the diet best for cats. He disagreed with the vets, but understood the topic so well, was so well-researched and so well-prepared, that he won his case. He understood better than they. 

7 hours 30 minutes per week in class, and an estimated 2 - 4 hours per week outside of class.