Four+Corners

**By Jamie Whalen**
 * Four Corners**
 * What is it?**
 * Four Corners is a strategy that involves posing a question to the class and allowing them to choose 4 options to the question. The room would have a response in each of its four corners, hence the name “Four Corners”. The questions do not necessarily have to have correct answers, because this gives students an opportunity to defend their reasoning.


 * How is it used in the classroom?**
 * This strategy can be used in many different subjects, such as social studies, math, language arts, or science. It can be used before a unit to assess prior knowledge and it can also be used after a unit to see what students have learned.
 * This activity can be done in more than one way as well. The teacher may choose to use Four Corners as an opening activity to engage students about they are going to learn. It can be done very briefly, as to not take up too much time from instruction. However, it can also be used to start a debate or a project. For example, a teacher can pose the question: What do you think was Columbus’ greatest motivation for his journey? A)Wealth, B)Fame, C)Religion, or D)Adventure. Students can discuss with their group and actually have a debate about which of these they believe to be true.
 * As far as turning Four Corners into a project, a teacher can pose a question such as: “Which geographic region would you most like to visit?” Students would have four different options in the corner of the room, and they would choose one and discuss their reasons as to why they chose it. Then, students could research and create a brochure or poster for that particular area.


 * Strengths**
 * Students interact with their peers/classmates
 * Allows room for class discussion/debate
 * Gets students moving around
 * Can be used in a variety of ways


 * Weaknesses**
 * Students may choose a particular option because most others did, even if he/she does not necessary agree
 * Students may get off task when discussing in groups