Grounded in the works of John Dewey (experiential learning),
Carl Jung (theory of individualization), David Kolb (experiential
learning theory), and Anthony Gregorc (Gregorc’s
style delineator), 4MAT extends beyond learning styles to
create a balanced model for planning instruction. Representative
of what Kolb calls “integrated learning” (Kolb, Boyatzis,
& Mainemelis 2001), 4MAT provides a teaching model that
cycles the learner through four major learning styles. 4MAT
builds upon the four-factor learning style models of Gregorc
and Kolb by integrating learning styles with brain-based processing
strategies. 4MAT provides a systematic model of
planning instruction that assumes that individuals learn in
different yet identifiable ways and that engagement with a
variety of diverse learning activities results in higher levels
of motivation and performance. Its premise is that individuals
learn primarily in one of four different but complementary
ways based on how they perceive and process information
(McCarthy & McCarthy, 2006).