The 4-MAT REVIEW system is a way of responding to readings that requires the learner to interact with new ideas on several levels. The 4-MAT review is to be 4 pages in length (not including the title page and reference page) and formatted in APA. The review should be written over Seven Solutions for Burned-out Parents by James Dobson
Please use the following four headers and sections in preparing the 4-MAT REVIEW:
Summary: Summarize what you have read as if you were the author boiling down the book into one page (just like reading the jacket of a book to decide if you want to read the book itself). Prove that you comprehend the readings by writing a clear, concise summary of central themes. This section should be one page.
Concrete responses: Get vulnerable! In one page, relate a personal life episode that this book connected with in your own life experience. Relate your story in first person, describing action, quoting sentences you remember hearing or saying. In the teaching style of Jesus, this is a do-it-yourself parable, case study, confession. You will remember almost nothing you have read unless you make this critical, personal connection. What video memory began to roll? This is your chance to tell your story and make new ideas found in the book your own. Make sure to clearly state how your recollection connects to the reading. This section should be one page.
Reflection: What new questions pop up for you in response to what you have read? Keep a rough note sheet at hand as you read. Begin with questions like, What would I like further information on? Where do I not agree/strongly agree with the author? or What bothers me/excites me about this content? This section should be one page.
Application: How does information in the book influence how you are going to continue your own personal growth process? What actions or changes are you going to make in your life as a result of your learning? Your response here is a matter of obedience first, questions later. Be precise in summarizing your action steps. This section should also be one page.