What is it?
Four Corners is a low-stakes way to encourage learners to evaluate their own perspective on controversial or complex topics. Educators assign different responses to each corner of the room, and then pose questions, statements, or prompts. Learners respond to these questions by moving to the corner of the room that most closely aligns with their beliefs. Learners are then called on to explain or justify their position, leading to class-wide discussions on the topic.
Why do it?
- This activity promotes deep learning by requiring learners to reflect on their own understanding, values, and perspectives.
- In seeing others’ responses, Four Corners enables learners to learn their peers’ positions and beliefs.
- Four Corners stimulates learning through moving around and discussing or debating concepts with peers.
How to set it up
- Before the session
- Prepare a list of controversial questions, statements, or prompts.
- Generate four different responses that are appropriate for each of the questions or statements.
- During the session
- Post or write one response in each corner of the room.
- Pose a question or statement to the class.
- Ask learners to move to the corner of the room that best aligns with their beliefs. Reiterate that there is no correct or wrong answer.
- Generate discussion by calling on a few learners from each corner to explain why they chose that response.
Considerations
- Four Corners is most suitable for questions and statements that do not have a correct answer.
- Consider the room layout, ensuring that there is adequate space for learners to move around easily.
Variations
- Revision Quiz
- Replace the four responses with A-B-C-D. Learners respond to multiple-choice questions by moving to the appropriate corner of the room. Learners then discuss their reasoning with fellow response members, before engaging in a class-wide discussion about the diverse responses.