61. FOUR CORNERS DEBATE (Discussion)
Description: This is a post-reading strategy that deepens a student’s understanding of topics or issues by forcing the student to make judgments about them.
Application: This activity is used when students are required to take a position on a particular issue.
Process: Select a topic and determine the issue/problem to be tackled by students.
Create ten statements that will force students to think deeply about the topic or issue. Label the four corners of the room with signs reading: strongly agree, agree, disagree, strongly disagree. As the students hear the statements, direct them to the corner that best represents their opinion. Once students are in their corners, elicit a volunteer from each corner to justify their position. After all positions have been heard, ask if anyone wants to move based on one of the volunteer’s statement. To clarify ideas shared during the discussion, chart the main arguments, for and against, on the board or as a whole-class activity.
Description: This is a post-reading strategy that deepens a student’s understanding of topics or issues by forcing the student to make judgments about them.
Application: This activity is used when students are required to take a position on a particular issue.
Process: Select a topic and determine the issue/problem to be tackled by students.
Create ten statements that will force students to think deeply about the topic or issue. Label the four corners of the room with signs reading: strongly agree, agree, disagree, strongly disagree. As the students hear the statements, direct them to the corner that best represents their opinion. Once students are in their corners, elicit a volunteer from each corner to justify their position. After all positions have been heard, ask if anyone wants to move based on one of the volunteer’s statement. To clarify ideas shared during the discussion, chart the main arguments, for and against, on the board or as a whole-class activity.
Reference, graphics, and/or for more information:
61. Four Corners Debate
http://www.facinghistory.org/resources/strategies/four-corners