What is 4MAT4MAT is a lesson plan model that appeals to all types of learners and engages, informs, and allows for practice and creative use of material learned within each lesson.

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4MAT Lessons1) Connect2) Attend3) Imagine4) Inform5) Practice6) Extend7) Refine 8) Perform

Experience

CONNECT

Right

ATTENDLeft

IMAGINERight

INFORMLeft

PRACTICELeft

REFINELeft

EXTENDRight

PERFORMRight

Reflect

Conceptualize

Act

Integrate

Reflective Observation

Active Experimentation

Abstract Conceptualization

Concrete Experience

Teacher more active

Teac

her m

ore ac

tiveLearner more active

Lear

ner m

ore ac

tive

RIGHT: ConnectCapture student’s attentionBegin with a situation that is familiar to

students and build on what they already knowUse cooperative learning that allows for

diverse student responsesConnect learners to the concept in a personal

wayUse “real” experience if possible.

4 MAT Lesson DesignQuadrant 1

Hunter calls this Anticipatory Set

Have an experience

LEFT: AttendGuide students to reflect and analyze the

experience. Summarize and review similarities and

differences. Clarify the reason for learning

4 MAT Lesson DesignQuadrant 1

React to an experie

nce

RIGHT: ImagineUse another medium (not reading or writing) to

connect students’ personal knowing to the concept (i.e. visual arts, music, movement, etc.).

Relate what the students already know to what the experts have found.

4 MAT Lesson DesignQuadrant 2

Build on experie

nce

LEFT: InformProvide “expert knowledge” related to the concept. Emphasize the most significant aspects of the

concept in an organized, organic manner. Present information sequentially so students see

continuity. Draw attention to important, discrete details; don’t

swamp students with a myriad of facts. Use a variety of delivery systems; interactive

lecture, text, guest speakers, films, visuals, demonstrations, when available.

4 MAT Lesson DesignQuadrant 2

Hunter calls this Instructional Input

Examine expert knowledge

LEFT: PracticeProvide opportunities for students to practice new

learning, (learning centers, games fostering skills development, etc.).

Check for understanding of concepts and skills by using relevant standard materials such as worksheets, text problems, workbooks, teacher prepared exercises, etc.

Use concept of mastery learning to determine if re-teaching (correctives) is necessary and how it will be carried out.

4 MAT Lesson DesignQuadrant 3

Practice the skills

RIGHT: ExtendEncourage tinkering with ideas, relationships,

connections. Set up situations where student have to find

information not readily available in school texts. Provide opportunity for student to design their

own open-ended explorations of the concept. Provide multiple options so student can plan a unique “proof” of learning.

4 MAT Lesson DesignQuadrant 3

Make the content your own

LEFT: RefineHelp students analyze their use of the learning for

meaning, relevance, and originality. Help mistakes to become learning opportunities. Summarize by reviewing the whole, bringing

students “full circle” to the experience with which the learning began.

4 MAT Lesson DesignQuadrant 4

Become more able, skilled, and

knowledgeable

RIGHT: PerformStudents report and demonstrate what they

have learned.Make student learning available to the larger

community, i.e. books students write are shared with other classes, students report in a school newspaper, student work is displayed, etc.

Leave students wondering (creatively) about further possible applications of the concept, extending the “what ifs” into the future.

Learning is celebrated.

4 MAT Lesson DesignQuadrant 4

Integrate and demonstrate learning

Quadrant One:Did you begin with situations that build on

what the learners already know?Did you use experiential learning?Did you use problem-solving group work?Did you establish the “Why”?

Checklist for 4MAT lesson

Quadrant Two:Did you keep the “big idea” in mind while

explaining the details of the concept?Did you emphasize the most significant aspects

of the concept in an organized, sequential manner?

Did you establish the “What”?

Checklist for 4MAT lesson

Quadrant ThreeDid you set up ways in which your students can

learn by doing?Did you require that your students test the

theories they are learning?Are there elements of absorption, fascination,

play, and wonder in this hands-on section of your teaching?

Did you establish the “How”?

Checklist for 4MAT lesson

Quadrant FourDid you provide situations, related to the

content, that allow the students to make the learning their own?

Did you provide opportunities for students to polish and share their new learning?

Did you establish the “What if”?

Checklist for 4MAT lesson

So how do I use this to plan a lesson?http://www.aboutlearning.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=79&Itemid=81

Pieces of Eight

4MAT Practice