An Inservice Project

Key To Icons

	Link to another site
	Pull down a file
	Help!

4MAT

A popular system that incorporates learning styles into the teaching process is something that is known as 4MAT.  The 4MAT system is based on left and right brain learning with an emphasis on teaching in four areas to meet the needs of students. The four learning styles of instruction that are covered include:

• Imaginative - Learners perceive information concretely and process it reflectively.  They are imaginative thinkers and believe in their own experiences.  They have difficulty making decisions and they seek meaning and clarity.
• Analytic - Learners perceive information abstractly and process it reflectively.  They learn by thinking through ideas and need to know what experts think.  They also need details and enjoy traditional classrooms.
• Common Sense - Learners perceive information abstractly and process it actively.  They integrate theory and practice. They apply common sense.  If they believe something works they will use it.  They resent being given answers and they value strategic thinking.
• Dynamic - Learners perceive information concretely and process it actively.  They learn by trial and error and are enthusiastic about new things.  They are risk takers. They are manipulative and pushy.  To them, school is often tedious and frustrating.

The purpose of any system is to reach all students.  If each of the four learning styles is used 25% of the time in the classroom, then all areas are covered and you have a better chance of reaching each student.

Remember, nothing works all the time.  The success of any teaching strategy is highly dependent on how, when, where, why and by whom it is used.

This program was developed by the State of Florida Adult Secondary/GED/VPI Committee of the Practitioners' Task Force, through an Adult Education State Leadership Grant from the Florida Department of Education, Division of Community Colleges and Workforce Education.

Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this web-based training component, it is not an official publication of the Florida Department of Education.