INTRODUCTION
Think back to a time when you "had to" learn something
new. What was most important to you?
- Did you want to know why you had to learn it?
- Did you want to know if the new information was accurate and
well documented?
- Did you need to prove that what you learned really worked?
- Did you try to figure out how to improve upon the new ideas?
How do you learn something new? Do you approach each new learning
situation in a similar way? For example, do you tend to read the
directions before starting to put something together or do you
jump right in and only read the directions if you get stuck?
While you probably do not tackle each learning task in exactly
the same way, over time you have developed a pattern of behavior
that you use for new learning. This is your learning style—your
preferred, most comfortable mode of learning. While each of us
has a preferred mode, we can also learn in other modes. In fact,
people who learn well through different learning styles have an
advantage over those who do not. They can select from their repertoire
the mode best suited for the task at hand. One of the goals of
understanding your learning style is to get to know your preferred
pattern of learning behaviors and their appropriate use, and to
stretch your abilities in alternative modes.
There are a number of theories that help to explain learning
style. Each deepens our understanding of one or more dimensions
of learning. The 4MAT System, a natural learning cycle, was developed
by Bernice McCarthy (2000, 1980). It provides one way to look
at learning styles. Her work is based upon research from learning
theorists and brain research.
TEACHING STRATEGIES TABLE WITH
WATER OUTREACH EXAMPLES
REFERENCES
McCarthy, B. (2000). About Teaching: 4MAT®
in the Classroom. Wauconda, IL: About Learning, Inc.
McCarthy, B. (1980). The 4MAT® System: Teaching
to Learning Styles with Right/Left Mode Techniques. Barrington,
IL: EXCEL, Inc.
http://www.aboutlearning.com/what_is_4mat.htm
Best
Education 
What are BEPs?