Supporting Success in Learning
About 4MAT System Australia
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Melinda ZanetichManaging Director Certified 4MAT Master Trainer  |
I was first introduced to 4MAT when... a flier came across my desk that promised a simple, practical and effective way to improve my teaching - it was just what I was looking for and after the first round of training, I was hooked! Since that happened nearly 20 years ago it obviously hit the mark for me. My favourite 4MAT moment is...every time I watch the delight for a teacher or a trainer as all the pieces of the training come together and they understand the simplicity and flexibility of the model. Working as a 4MAT trainer is... still the part of my role that I love the most. It is incredibly rewarding to be able to share this model (that I have found to be so powerful) with others and to hear about how it has made a difference for them. I am still using 4MAT because... I have never found anything else that can replace it. I have been exposed to many other models of learning, but most of them are just the 4MAT model with different words. I am always being asked... about where I get my shoes and jewellery! I get excited about... helping others to improve on what they do because I know that means that their learners are reaping the benefits as well. My friends describe me as... organised, a perfectionist ...maybe that is enough clues? |
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Coral SturgessCertified 4MAT Trainer - Education  |
I was first introduced to 4MAT by… Bernice McCarthy, the creator of 4MAT, in 1995 when I was a head teacher. Whilst being inspired by what I learned about learning from 4MAT training, it was the application of the model and the impact it had on my practice that really motivated me to uncover, and to keep uncovering, the potential that is 4MAT. My favourite 4MAT moment is... that place in planning a unit of work when, after the storm that is the critical thinking, exploring, challenging, questioning and justifying of all those pedagogical decisions and ideas, there comes this moment of clarity and calm. The decisions and ideas take their rightful “places” in the learning cycle and I know that I have helped create something special. And this moment leaves me feeling satisfied yet impatient, anxious yet excited, by the prospect of teaching it. Working as a 4MAT trainer is really rewarding because… I enjoy supporting others to learn about learning and, in particular, to gain a deeper understanding of themselves as learners. To meet the needs of their students, teachers need to be good designers of learning - 4MAT builds your capacity and your confidence to be that designer and so become the teacher you aspire to be. I am still using 4MAT because…it continues to work for me. It’s the model that just keeps on “giving” – I can integrate other frameworks, taxonomies, models... I am always being asked... What are you up to now? When will you retire? I get excited about…the possibilities (for students and teachers) when teachers talk deeply and passionately about teaching and learning. My friends describe me as…family-focused, optimistic, calm, loyal, quirky and creative; a lover of fine food and coffee, a good read or movie, the water, my dog, words and beauty. |
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Jane SmithCertified 4MAT Trainer - Education
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I was first introduced to 4MAT when... I first became interested in accelerative learning way back in the late 80’s. I was ready to walk away from teaching. I was tired of the knot in my stomach every time I approached the classroom. I hated that I was just not reaching so many kids in my classroom. My favourite 4MAT moment is... the time in every unit or lesson preparation when I find the connection between the content to be taught, the kids and the deep overarching concept. Everything beyond that point becomes real fun for me and for the kids. Working as a 4MAT trainer is... really rewarding because I am sharing this powerfully, energising tool with others who can also enjoy this empowering teaching process. I am still using 4MAT because... I have never found another thing that approaches how to teach so successfully and completely. I am always being asked... why I keep teaching even though I am beyond retirement age and I say “because I love it and it works and what could be more satisfying. Every day rewards me”. I get excited about...sharing this news. My friends describe me as... someone who loves what she does. Those who teach with me know and those who watch me continue to work, think I must be getting something worthwhile. They are right! |
