Description: Students read four statements and decide which one they agree with most. After writing down and explaining their choices, they go to the corner (or other space) designated for that choice and meet with the others who agree with them. After discussing their reasoning, they select a spokesperson who will convey their ideas to the class. Once all groups have made their statements, cross talk and discussion ensue. Students may stay with their original choice, or change corners if they are convinced by other groups. The goal is to either reach a consensus, or identify the need for further investigation to resolve the differences.
Rationale: This is a powerful tool for disabusing students of misconceptions so is often used for tricky areas where misconceptions are especially persistent. It reveals student thinking to the teacher, then, as they “talk it out” with classmates students reinforce their own ideas or begin to see the flaws in their logic.
This is an example where Four Corners strategy was used productively:
