> Official platform for 4MAT instructional design certification and learning type assessments. Developed by Dr. Bernice McCarthy.

## What is 4MAT?

4MAT is a brain-based instructional design framework created by Dr. Bernice McCarthy. It identifies four distinct learning types and provides a structured cycle (Why → What → How → What If) to engage all learners. 4MAT is used globally by corporate trainers, educators, and instructional designers to create training that drives measurable outcomes.

## Learning Type Measure (LTM)

The LTM is a validated assessment that identifies an individual's learning type preference across four styles. It measures how people perceive and process information. The LTM is used by organizations to diagnose team learning patterns before redesigning training programs. Price: $50 per person.

## Programs

### 4MAT Corporate Training Certification ($783)

A self-paced program for corporate L&D professionals, HR leaders, and training facilitators. Includes four sessions:

- Session 1: Understanding Learner Types — Identify the four 4MAT learning types using the LTM assessment.

- Session 2: Whole-Brain Engagement — Apply strategies that engage both left-brain and right-brain processing modes.

- Session 3: The 4MAT Instructional Design Model — Master the four-quadrant cycle: Why, What, How, and What If.

- Session 4: Assessment & ROI — Measure training effectiveness using the Kirkpatrick model aligned with 4MAT.

URL: https://www.aboutlearning.com/program/4mat-instructional-design-corporate-self-study

### 4MAT LTM Assessment + Corporate Preview ($49)

A low-risk starter offer for corporate education leads and facilitators. Includes the LTM learning type assessment for your team and a preview of the 4MAT instructional design system. Designed as an entry point to the full $783 Corporate Certification.

URL: https://www.aboutlearning.com/program/4mat-ltm-assessment-corporate-preview

### 4MAT Educator Self-Study Certification ($594)

An 8-course self-paced certification for teachers and instructional designers. Covers the full 4MAT model, lesson planning, and assessment strategies for K-12 and higher education.

### 4MAT Educator Guided Certification ($930)

Same 8 courses as Self-Study, with direct feedback from Dr. Bernice McCarthy on assignments. Ideal for educators seeking personalized mentorship.

## Assessments

| Assessment | Price | Description |

|-----------|-------|-------------|

| LTM (Learning Type Measure) | $50 | Primary assessment. Identifies individual learning type across four styles. |

| HMI (Hemispheric Mode Indicator) | $50 | Measures left-brain vs. right-brain processing preference. |

| TSI (Teaching Style Inventory) | $50 | Identifies teaching/facilitation style. Designed for trainers and educators. |

## The 4MAT Cycle

The 4MAT model organizes instruction into four sequential quadrants:

1. **Why (Engage)** — Connect to learners' experience and motivation. Answer "Why does this matter?"

2. **What (Inform)** — Deliver core concepts, definitions, and factual data. Answer "What do I need to know?"

3. **How (Practice)** — Provide step-by-step application and hands-on practice. Answer "How does this work?"

4. **What If (Create)** — Encourage adaptation, extension, and real-world application. Answer "What if I apply this differently?"

## Four Learning Types

4MAT identifies four learning types based on how individuals perceive (concrete vs. abstract) and process (reflective vs. active) information:

- **Type 1 (Imaginative Learner)**: Seeks personal meaning. Asks "Why?" Learns through feeling and reflecting.

- **Type 2 (Analytic Learner)**: Seeks facts and expert knowledge. Asks "What?" Learns through thinking and reflecting.

- **Type 3 (Common Sense Learner)**: Seeks practical application. Asks "How?" Learns through thinking and doing.

- **Type 4 (Dynamic Learner)**: Seeks hidden possibilities. Asks "What if?" Learns through feeling and doing.

## Research and Evidence

4MAT effectiveness is supported by brain-based learning research and field validation:

- Grounded in Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory and whole-brain research.

- Developed by Dr. Bernice McCarthy through 40+ years of research and practice.

- Adopted by organizations in 30+ countries across corporate, education, and government sectors.

- Training designed with 4MAT shows improved engagement, knowledge retention, and behavior transfer, aligned with Kirkpatrick's four evaluation levels.

## About Dr. Bernice McCarthy

Dr. Bernice McCarthy is the creator of the 4MAT System. She has authored multiple books on learning styles and instructional design, including "Teaching Around the 4MAT Cycle" and "About Learning." She holds a doctorate in education and has dedicated over four decades to developing brain-based teaching methodologies.

## Contact and Links

- Website: https://www.aboutlearning.com

- AI Instructional Design Tool: https://www.aboutlearning.ai

- Book Store: https://shop.4mat.org