What Is 4MAT?

The 4MAT System is an Experiential, Whole Brained, Learner-Centered Design Model that Transforms the Way People Learn

What is 4MAT? 

The 4MAT System is a learning and teaching system developed by About Learning, Inc. and derived from the ground-breaking work of Dr. Bernice McCarthy. It is based on the idea that individuals different approaches to learning and that instruction should work to encompass these differences in order to be most effective.

It involves a four-step experiential learning process for constructing more dynamic and engaging learning experiences that align to the natural way people learn.  It is based on the idea that individuals have different approaches to learning, and that instruction should be tailored to these differences to ensure more powerful and transformative learning. 

The 4MAT Model consists of four stages: 

Creating Personal Meaning: Key Question: WHY?   

Partnering and collaborating, discussing and sharing perceptions, exploring personal viewpoints, facilitating interactions, creating personal connections. 

Clarifying and Informing: Key Question: WHAT? 

Establishing key concepts, generating and exploring different ideas, planning and organizing, clarifying key ideas and details, using data to inform decision-making. 

Testing, Experimenting and Problem-Solving: Key Question: HOW? 

Experimenting and applying, practicing, prototyping, implementing and giving feedback. 

Evaluating, Adapting and Innovating: Key Question: What If? 

Encouraging innovative approaches, evaluating and refining, adapting and adjusting, assessing personal and organizational impact. 

When used in concert as a system of learning, the 4MAT Learning Method is proven to generate significant and lasting improvements in the quality and impact of learning in a host of educational and training settings. 

4mat-training materials for trainers

4MAT Learning Styles that Improve Corporate communication

4MAT is the ideal program to improve your corporate training experience. Our training model creates a simple-to-understand, common language for performance which immediately improves meeting efficiency, coaching impact and frequency, communication and team unity as well as engagement and results from training. In addition to its core courses on learner engagement, we also have a variety of online courses, quizzes, and training materials for trainers to help you improve instructional design. These tools will help make sure that your trainers have all the skills necessary for successful corporate training. With better designed instruction methods and easier access to information resources, 4MAT can transform learning within any organization. Through improved team collaboration and more effective use of materials and enhancing participant engagement, 4MAT is the perfect choice for any organization looking to improve their corporate training and development.

How Does the 4MAT Model Improve Your Company?

Increased Employee Engagement: The 4MAT Learning Model is designed to engage learners by starting with their interests and experiences. By tapping into what they already know and care about, learners are more likely to be engaged in the learning process.

Improved Retention: By providing learners with multiple ways to engage with the material, the 4MAT Learning Model improves retention. It appeals to all people, ensuring that learners have opportunities to process information in ways that work best for them.

Enhanced Critical Thinking: The 4MAT Learning Model encourages learners to think critically by asking them to apply what they’ve learned to real-world situations. By doing so, learners are better able to understand the relevance of the material and apply it to their lives.

Better Learning Outcomes: The 4MAT Learning Model has been shown to improve learning outcomes by providing learners with a structured and effective way to engage with the material. By following a clear process, learners are more likely to stay on task and achieve their learning goals.

Increased Creativity: The 4MAT Learning Model encourages creativity by providing learners with opportunities to engage with the material in a variety of ways. 

Overall, the 4MAT Learning Model is a highly effective approach to teaching and learning that can improve employee engagement and retention, and enhance learning outcomes.