Educational Psychology Considering Individual Differences William G Huitt

Educational Psychology Considering Individual Differences William G. Huitt Last Revised: July 1999

Considering Individual Differences In general, there are three different approaches for dealing with individual differences among students: • Develop events of instruction that take into account individual differences • Provide some sort of grouping in order to reduce or accommodate the variability with respect to student background, achievement, ability or some other characteristic.

Considering Individual Differences In general, there are three different approaches for dealing with individual differences among students: • Modify the conditions within which instruction is taking place.

The 4 MAT System The 4 MAT system is a strategy for dealing with individual differences is to develop or modify the events of instruction so that they specifically address individual differences. It is a direct instruction approach to teaching that utilizes research on brain lateralization dominance and learning style to identify specific instructional events that will be attractive to a specific type of student.

The 4 MAT System According to Bernice Mc. Carthy, developer of the 4 MAT system, there are 4 major learning styles, each of which asks different questions and displays different strengths during the learning process. These styles are based on the work of Gregorc & Butler (1984) and are similar to the temperaments as defined by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and the Kiersy Temperament Sorter. Gregorc, A. , & Butler, K. (1984, April). Learning is a matter of style. Voc. Ed, 27 -29.

The 4 MAT System Concrete-Random SP (Sensing/Perceiving) Sanquine WHY?

The 4 MAT System Abstract-Sequential NJ (Intuitive/Judging) Choleric WHAT?

The 4 MAT System Concrete-Sequential SJ (Sensing/Judging) Melancholy HOW?

The 4 MAT System Abstract-Random NP (Intuitive/Perceiving) Phlegmatic IF?

The 4 MAT System

The 4 MAT System Each learning style is associated with both left- and right-brain learners. Left Logical, rational, sequential, serial, verbal Right Intuitive, emotional, holistic, parallel, and tactile -kinesthetic

The 4 MAT System The 4 MAT system is designed to provide every student with a preferred task during every lesson. There are the 8 instructional events proposed by this system.

The 4 MAT System STEP LEFT MODE RIGHT MODE WHY? Create an experience 1 2 Reflect/Analyze about experience

The 4 MAT System STEP LEFT MODE RIGHT MODE WHAT? Integrate into concepts 3 4 Develop concepts and skills

The 4 MAT System STEP LEFT MODE RIGHT MODE HOW? 5 6 Practice defined givens Add something of oneself

The 4 MAT System STEP LEFT MODE RIGHT MODE IF? 7 8 Analyze application for relevance Add something of oneself

The 4 MAT System The 4 MAT system seems to have considerable face validity, although there is not a widespread research base to support it. However, following the 4 MAT system forces the teacher to provide her students with opportunities to engage in higher-order thinking.