Learning is an integral part of our lives. From the time we are born, we are learning every day. As we grow up, we attend school and college to acquire knowledge and skills that will help us in our personal and professional lives. However, not everyone learns in the same way, and that is where the 4MAT Learning Model comes in.
The 4MAT Learning Model is a comprehensive approach to learning that takes into account different learning styles and preferences. It was developed by Bernice McCarthy in the 1970s and has since been used by educators and trainers around the world.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the 4MAT Learning Styles and how they can be used to enhance the learning experience for both students and professionals. This is a part of our comprehensive coverage of 13 Learning and Development Models. So if you are an L&D Manager or an Instructional Designer follow the various learning models which may be critical to gain insights into the learning styles of your subjects
The Four Quadrants of the 4MAT Learning Model
The 4MAT Learning Model is based on four quadrants, each of which represents a different learning style. The four quadrants are:
- Why – This quadrant focuses on the question “Why?” It appeals to learners who are motivated by understanding the reasons and rationale behind a concept or idea. Learners who prefer this quadrant are typically analytical and logical thinkers.
- What – This quadrant focuses on the question “What?” It appeals to learners who are motivated by understanding the facts and details of a concept or idea. Learners who prefer this quadrant are typically organized and detail-oriented.
- How – This quadrant focuses on the question “How?” It appeals to learners who are motivated by understanding the practical application of a concept or idea. Learners who prefer this quadrant are typically hands-on and experimental.
- If – This quadrant focuses on the question “If?” It appeals to learners who are motivated by exploring the possibilities and potential outcomes of a concept or idea. Learners who prefer this quadrant are typically imaginative and creative thinkers.
By addressing each of these quadrants, the 4MAT Learning Model ensures that all learners are engaged and motivated to learn.
The Four Phases of the 4MAT Learning Model
The 4MAT Learning Model is also divided into four phases, each of which represents a different stage of the learning process. The four phases are:
- Experiencing – This phase focuses on engaging learners in a meaningful and relevant experience that relates to the concept or idea being taught. Learners are encouraged to explore and discover the subject matter in a hands-on, experiential way.
- Conceptualizing – This phase focuses on helping learners understand the concept or idea being taught by organizing and categorizing information in a logical and meaningful way. Learners are encouraged to identify patterns, connections, and relationships between different aspects of the subject matter.
- Applying – This phase focuses on helping learners apply the concept or idea being taught to real-life situations. Learners are encouraged to experiment with the subject matter and explore different ways of applying it in practical situations.
- Refining – This phase focuses on helping learners refine their understanding of the concept or idea being taught by reflecting on their experiences and learning. Learners are encouraged to analyze and evaluate their learning, identify areas of improvement, and develop strategies for further development.
By following these four phases, the 4MAT Learning Model ensures that learners have a comprehensive and well-rounded learning experience.
Advantages of the 4MAT Learning Model
The 4MAT Learning Model has several advantages over traditional teaching methods. Some of the key advantages are:
- Personalization – The 4MAT Learning Model takes into account the different learning styles and preferences of learners, ensuring that everyone is engaged and motivated to learn.
- Relevance – The 4MAT Learning Model emphasizes the importance of making learning relevant and meaningful to learners. This ensures that learners are more likely to retain the information and apply it in real-life situations.
- Active Learning – The 4MAT Learning Model emphasizes active learning, which engages learners in the learning process and encourages them to take ownership of their learning.
- Comprehensive – The 4MAT Learning Model is a comprehensive approach to learning, covering all aspects of the learning process, from experiencing to refining.
- Flexibility – The 4MAT Learning Model is a flexible approach to learning, allowing educators and trainers to adapt it to different learning environments and situations.
How to Implement the 4MAT Learning Model
Implementing the 4MAT Learning Model involves the following steps:
- Identify the Learning Styles – The first step is to identify the learning styles of the learners. This can be done through assessments or surveys that identify the preferred learning style of each learner.
- Develop a Curriculum – The next step is to develop a curriculum that addresses each of the four quadrants of the 4MAT Learning Model. This involves developing learning experiences that appeal to each learning style and incorporate the four phases of the learning process.
- Implement the Curriculum – The curriculum is then implemented in the learning environment, with educators and trainers using a variety of teaching methods and techniques to engage learners and facilitate learning.
- Assess Learning – The final step is to assess learning, which involves evaluating the effectiveness of the curriculum and the learning experiences. This can be done through assessments, feedback, and observation.
How is the 4MAT learning Model Different from other mostly known learning models?
While there are similarities between the 4MAT model and other models, there are also significant differences. The following table compares the 4MAT Learning Model to three other commonly used learning models: Bloom’s Taxonomy, Kolb’s Learning Cycle, and Merrill’s First Principles of Instruction.
| Learning Model | Key Features | Focus | Learning Process |
| 4MAT Learning Model | Four quadrants addressing different learning styles, four phases of the learning process | Addressing different learning styles | Experiencing, processing, applying, refining |
| Bloom’s Taxonomy | Six hierarchical levels of learning objectives | Cognitive domain of learning | Remembering, understanding, applying, analyzing, evaluating, creating |
| Kolb’s Learning Cycle | Four stages of experiential learning | Experience, reflection, abstraction, application | Concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, active experimentation |
| Merrill’s First Principles of Instruction | Five principles for effective instruction | Activation, demonstration, application, integration, evaluation | Activating prior experience, demonstrating skills, applying skills, integrating skills, evaluating performance |
While each of these learning models has its unique approach, the 4MAT Learning Model stands out for its focus on addressing different learning styles and its comprehensive approach to the learning process. The 4MAT model includes all four phases of the learning process (experiencing, processing, applying, and refining), which ensures that learners engage in active learning and retain the information better. The 4MAT Learning Model also emphasizes the importance of personalization, relevance, and flexibility in the learning process, which can be adapted to different learning environments and situations.
In contrast, Bloom’s Taxonomy is a hierarchical model that focuses on cognitive learning objectives, ranging from basic knowledge to higher-level thinking skills. Kolb’s Learning Cycle is an experiential model that emphasizes the importance of reflecting on experiences and applying new knowledge in practical situations. Merrill’s First Principles of Instruction is a set of principles that focuses on activating prior knowledge, demonstrating skills, and integrating new skills with existing knowledge.
Overall, the 4MAT Learning Model offers a unique approach to learning that takes into account the different learning styles and preferences of learners. By addressing all four phases of the learning process and following a comprehensive approach to learning, educators and trainers can create engaging and effective learning experiences that promote lifelong learning.
Disadvantages of the 4MAT Learning Model
Disadvantages of the 4MAT Learning Model
While the 4MAT Learning Model has several advantages, there are also some potential disadvantages. These include:
- Time-Consuming – The 4MAT Learning Model can be time-consuming to implement, as it requires educators and trainers to develop learning experiences that appeal to each learning style and incorporate all four phases of the learning process.
- Complexity – The 4MAT Learning Model can be complex, as it involves multiple elements and phases that need to be integrated into a cohesive learning experience.
- Resource-Intensive – The 4MAT Learning Model may require additional resources, such as materials and technology, to support the different learning styles and phases of the learning process.
The 4MAT Learning Model is a comprehensive approach to learning that takes into account different learning styles and preferences. By addressing each of the four quadrants of the model and following the four phases of the learning process, educators and trainers can ensure that all learners are engaged and motivated to learn. The 4MAT Learning Model has several advantages over traditional teaching methods, including personalization, relevance, active learning, comprehensiveness, and flexibility. By implementing the 4MAT Learning Model, educators and trainers can enhance the learning experience for their learners and promote lifelong learning.
Conclusion
The 4MAT Learning Model is a comprehensive approach to learning that takes into account the different learning styles and preferences of learners. By addressing all four phases of the learning process and following a personalized, relevant, and flexible approach to learning, educators, and trainers can create engaging and effective learning experiences that promote lifelong learning. While the 4MAT Learning Model has some potential disadvantages, its advantages far outweigh the drawbacks, making it a valuable tool for educators and trainers in various settings.
Samrat is a Delhi-based MBA from the Indian Institute of Management. He is a Strategy, AI, and Marketing Enthusiast and passionately writes about core and emerging topics in Management studies. Reach out to his LinkedIn for a discussion or follow his Quora Page