4MAT System and Learning Styles

Overview

This lecture explains the 4MAT System, a model for understanding and addressing different learning styles in educational settings, and outlines its associated instructional events.

The 4MAT System and Learning Styles

• The 4MAT System identifies four major learning styles, each with unique questions and strengths.
• Learning styles are based on theories by Dewey, Jung, and Kolb.
• Tools like the MBTI, Kiersey Temperament Sorter, and the Index of Learning Styles Questionnaire relate to these types.
• The four learning styles are:
  • Concrete-Random ("Imaginative Learner") asks "Why?" and aligns with MBTI SP temperament.
  • Abstract-Sequential learner asks "What?" and aligns with MBTI NT temperament.
  • Concrete-Sequential learner asks "How?" and aligns with MBTI SJ temperament.
  • Abstract-Random learner asks "If?" and aligns with MBTI NF temperament.
• These learner types correspond to ancient Greek temperaments (Sanguine, Choleric, Melancholy, Phlegmatic) and the DISC system.

Brain Hemisphere and Learning Styles

• Left-brain learners are logical, rational, sequential, serial, and verbal.
• Right-brain learners are intuitive, emotional, holistic, parallel, and tactile.

The 4MAT Instructional Events

• The 4MAT system provides eight instructional events to address all learning styles in a lesson.
• "WHY?" phase motivates and develops meaning:
  • Step 1: Create an experience (Connect).
  • Step 2: Analyze/reflect about the experience (Examine).
• "WHAT?" phase focuses on reflection and concept development:
  • Step 3: Integrate reflective analysis into concepts (Image).
  • Step 4: Develop concepts/skills (Define).
• "HOW?" phase covers usefulness and skill development:
  • Step 5: Practice defined "givens" (By).
  • Step 6: Practice and add something personal (Extend).
• "IF?" phase deals with adaptation and application:
  • Step 7: Analyze application for relevance (Refine).
  • Step 8: Apply to more complex experiences (Integrate).

Key Terms & Definitions

• 4MAT System — A framework for teaching that targets four learning styles through eight instructional events.
• Learning Style — A consistent preference for perceiving, processing, and retaining new information.
• Left-brain learner — Prefers logical and sequential information processing.
• Right-brain learner — Prefers intuitive, holistic, and tactile information processing.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Review the eight 4MAT instructional events and consider how they may apply to lesson planning.
• Explore assessment tools like the Index of Learning Styles or MBTI for self-evaluation.