Any training, presentation or facilitation session becomes more powerful when all participants or audience members are fully engaged. This and upcoming Training Tips will be looking at a variety of learning and behavioural preferences and how we, as trainers, can provide an engaging experience for people with differing learning styles.
Training Tips 11 - Targeting 4MAT
One of the essential frame-ups to any training, presentation or facilitation session is to answer the 4 "questions" identified in the 4MAT System.
According to the 4MAT System, conceived by Bernice McCarthy, in terms of learning preference, people generally fall into one of 4 quadrants - those who ask "Why?", "What?", "How" and "What if...?"
The trainer must ensure that the needs of each type of questioner is met during the frame-up to the training or to each new activity. The aim is to satisfy the needs at a subconscious level before they become conscious and interfere with the learning process. Explanations do not need to be long; it is better if they are quick, implied and cogent.
Trainers need to work on their own introductory short script (no more than a paragraph) which addresses each of the questions. Practice this, get it right and and keep it short, so that the whole frame-up takes just a few moments, while addressing each of the unspoken questions and satisfying participant needs.
Why?
Address the "Why?" question first, giving participants a brief, plausible reason to listen and participate in any activities. A very short but carefully scripted "earn the right" introduction is essential - this should not just be a list of achievements but should contain something to grab the audience and build rapport.
What?
We cater for the "What?" learner by letting them know what we want them to do, not in a practical "how" way, but with a clear "what" statement. "We are going to be playing some games today..." Include theory during the session, where appropriate, for these learners and allow time for reflection.
How?
We cater for the "How?" learner by describing how we want them to proceed. "These are the rules of this game..."
What if?
We cater for the "What if?" learner by defining boundaries and consequences if they overstep. "What ifs" need to be in action. Before they do what we ask, they will already be thinking about what will happen if they do something different, so setting those boundaries briefly during the frame-up can short-circuit any problems that might surface here.
If each of the 4MAT quadrants is addressed during the frame-up of a training session, participants are more likely to remain engaged with the learning process.
A deeper description of the 4MAT System and more detail on its use in training can be found in the WorldGAMES Manager Tool Kit Module, Targeting the 4MAT Quadrants.
Game of the month: Brave New World II is a highly topical game which demands lateral thinking and best use of scarce resources.
Find out more or browse our Games and Exercise Summaries for other activities to incorporate into your own training programs.
Please feel free to contact myself, John Radclyffe, at info@worldgames.com.au, for further information or help with your training programs or other active business learning needs.
Or visit the WorldGAMES website for more training games and resources.
Kind regards,
John Radclyffe
Managing Director
WORLDGAMES Pty Ltd
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