Hand Out
An instructional strategy is basically the way employed in the learning process to make sure that the series, approach and conveyance of instructions are all contributing to assist the students in gaining knowledge and learn. There are many methods used in instructional strategies, one of which is Four Corners Strategy. This strategy and its learning style are elucidated and described in detail further in the handout.
Four Corners Strategy
The four corners strategy is a kind of cooperative learning where students group together and strive for common objective. Their activities and progress depend on each other and so they need to collaborate with the other students in order to gain cooperative learning. This not only nourishes the students collaborating skills but also harvests their debating skills.
Four corners is a movement strategy, where students are assigned to a corner of the room corresponding to the instructor’s preset alternative, or else they are bound to favor a choice and work out a validation for it.
The Learning Style
Categorize the corners
The corners of the room are labeled as:
- Strongly Agree
- Agree
- Disagree
- Strongly disagree
Controversial statement is presented
The teacher must then present a debatable topic before the students. For example if a chapter has just ended, a query, problem or contentious statement could be imparted to the class.
Individual reflection of opinions
When the topic is before the whole class, ask all the students to reflect their point of view on a piece of paper corresponding to the corner that fully represents their viewpoint. This must be taken care of that students perform this particular activity on their own without any consultation with friends or neighbors.
Designating the corners
Students are now moved to the corners that correspond to their views correctly. They can join up with individuals having same opinion as them to talk over their views on the issue. They can also combine with another having contradicting views to them so they might discuss it better with their partners. Hence all individuals sharing one perspective join together to work, pile up evidence, and develop an argument to support their point of view.
Assigning roles
Prior or after the above-mentioned step the teacher can allocate roles to individual student, that may include positions like, note taker, leader, timekeeper, spokesperson, etc. Students could also be given tasks like construct graphs or charts describing each designation or corner.
Representation
After the time for discussion is over and the students are ready, one amongst the group chosen as presenter is asked to come forward and share the reason for supporting that particular idea or corner. Other students must pay attention to each group’s case.
Debating activities
After every case is presented, students are asked about their opinions over the debate and what they contemplate out of it. They are given time to present their queries, ask questions or challenge the viewpoint of another corner. There might be students whose perspectives may change after the debating experience, and they are given chance to move to the other corner.
This can prove to be really captivating strategy and especially draw them in deeper when they get a chance to express themselves.
Conclusion
Four corners strategy is a very unique endeavor that benefits the student and teacher in the learning activity immensely. It develops a healthy environment, respect for other people’s perspectives, leadership qualities, and motivation through healthy group communication. It broadens their approach and inspires them to assess their ideas.
References
- Learn NC. (2000) Strategies from hand in hand. Web.
- Rebecca Radicchi (2009). Five Corners Debate.