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 4MAT System
The 4MAT 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 4MAT System
According to Bernice McCarthy, developer of the
4MAT 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.
VocEd, 27-29.
The 4MAT System
Concrete-Random
SP (Sensing/Perceiving)
Sanquine
WHY?
The 4MAT System
Abstract-Sequential
NJ (Intuitive/Judging)
Choleric
WHAT?
The 4MAT System
Concrete-Sequential
SJ (Sensing/Judging)
Melancholy
HOW?
The 4MAT System
Abstract-Random
NP (Intuitive/Perceiving)
Phlegmatic
IF?
The 4MAT System
The 4MAT 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 4MAT System
The 4MAT 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 4MAT System
STEP
LEFT MODE
RIGHT MODE
WHY?
Create an
experience
1
2
Reflect/Analyze
about experience
The 4MAT System
STEP
LEFT MODE
RIGHT MODE
WHAT?
Integrate into
concepts
3
4
Develop concepts
and skills
The 4MAT System
STEP
LEFT MODE
RIGHT MODE
HOW?
5
6
Practice defined
givens
Add something
of oneself
The 4MAT System
STEP
LEFT MODE
RIGHT MODE
IF?
7
8
Analyze application
for relevance
Add something
of oneself
The 4MAT System
The 4MAT system seems to have considerable
face validity, although there is not a widespread
research base to support it.
However, following the 4MAT system forces the
teacher to provide her students with
opportunities to engage in higher-order
thinking.