What is 4Mat and what is the scientific basis?
What is 4Mat and what is the scientific basis?
It's apparently free to throw together some half-baked pseudoscience and create your own theory of learning. That's what Bernice McCarthy did in 1980 when she came up with the idea for 4Mat. 4Mat is a widely used method for designing e-learning, you can read more about it here: https://www.4mat.eu/theory-the-theory.aspx .
However, 4Mat is called a model and not a theory, and is claimed to be based on “several long-standing theories in learning, psychology and brain research”. These include learning styles , the idea of a dominant creative right or logical left hemisphere , and Jung’s controversial typology, which also laid the foundation for MBTI.
So it is a synthesis of two and a half times pseudoscience, presented as if it is based on solid research. The model is also excellent for ensuring that you present what you want to convey in a structured way that increases the likelihood that the recipient understands what is to be conveyed. As with the theory of learning styles and Howard Gardner's 7 intelligences, 4Mat is also excellent for sharpening teachers' focus on the fact that we all learn differently.
But that doesn't change the fact that the scientific foundation is gibberish.
Do you want to? learn more?
If you are interested in science, learning and brain myths, this article will probably interest you.
Here you will find links to more useful, scientifically based learning theories.
- Self-determination theory. The most important theory you need to know about learning.
- Your brain is NOT a computer - Predictive Coding
- Flick 2 learn. Why Interactive elearning is NOT always exciting elearning
If you want to know more about digital learning and e-learning, you can start with our E-learning FAQ
... and are you looking for help developing exciting e-learning , or would you like to learn how to create exciting e-learning yourself - then give us a shout.