To the last question regarding how faculty assessed the
impact of 4MAT in terms of knowledge and dispositions for
themselves and their students, a predominant theme emerged
related to ambiguity regarding hard evidence for student
learning as a result of 4MAT implementation. However, anecdotal
evidence shared among the faculty pertaining to student
learning appeared strong and convincing. Some faculty felt
uncomfortable with a lack of clear assessment data for student
learning other than the surveys utilized for the project;
however there was unanimous agreement on the strength of
their own learning about how the model helped them to teach
more effectively. Unfortunately, many of the student assessments
used during this project in individual courses were
developed or revamped using the 4MAT model, therefore
making direct comparisons of student learning from previous
semesters impossible. An effective technique was used
by one faculty participant who asked students to rate the extent
to which they felt they mastered the course objectives.
These were not graded but produced important information
both to the student and instructor about teaching and learning
that had occurred. An additional successful assessment
technique that was used was to solicit frequent open-ended
feedback from students about what they felt they had learned
up to that point in the semester.