LEARNING STYLE

FOUR MAJOR LEARNING STYLES [1]

The 4MAT cycle, developed by Bernice McCarthy, describes four core-learning styles based upon how we perceive and process information and experiences. No one style is better or more important than another. As educators and learners, we need to honor all four styles , even though we have a preference for one or another.

Type One: Imaginative Learners

Type Two: Analytic Learners

Type Three: Common Sense Learners

Type Four: Dynamic Learners

Since all four learning styles are equally valid and useful, all learners will "shine" part of the time. We all need to be taught in all four ways to allow us to be comfortable and successful part of the time while being stretched to develop our other abilities. As educators we need to teach to all four styles to assure that we enable all learners to shine and grow.

 

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

 

[1] Soil and Water Conservation District Outreach: A Handbook for Program Development, Implementation and Evaluation, Ohio Department of natural Resources, Division of Soil and Water Conservation, 2003. As adapted from McCarthy (1980, 2000).