Four Corners
Move to corners to defend your position
At a Glance
Duration
20–35 min
Group Size
12–40 students
Space Setup
Four corners of room clearly labeled, space to move
Materials
- Corner labels (printed/projected)
- Discussion prompts
Bloom's Taxonomy
SEL Competencies
What is Four Corners?
Four Corners is a kinesthetic cooperative learning strategy that promotes critical thinking and student engagement by requiring learners to physically move to a labeled corner of the room that represents their position on a specific topic. This methodology works because it forces individual accountability while providing a low-stakes environment for peer-to-peer discussion, effectively breaking the 'monologue' of traditional lectures. By assigning distinct viewpoints ('Strongly Agree,' 'Agree,' 'Disagree,' and 'Strongly Disagree') to the physical corners of the classroom, educators create a visual map of student thought. This spatial arrangement facilitates social construction of knowledge, as students must articulate their reasoning to peers who share their stance before engaging with opposing viewpoints. Research indicates that this movement-based approach reduces cognitive load and increases retention by linking conceptual ideas to physical locations. It is particularly effective for controversial topics or complex analysis where multiple valid interpretations exist, allowing students to see the diversity of thought within their own community while practicing civil discourse and evidence-based argumentation.
Ideal for
When to Use It
Grade Bands
Subject Fit
How to Run a Four Corners
Prepare the Environment
Label the four corners of the room with signs such as 'Strongly Agree,' 'Agree,' 'Disagree,' and 'Strongly Disagree' or specific multiple-choice options.
Present the Prompt
Read a controversial statement or a complex question aloud and display it on the board to ensure all students understand the premise.
Provide Silent Thinking Time
Give students 30-60 seconds of 'wait time' to process the prompt and choose their position without being influenced by their peers' movements.
Execute Movement
Direct students to walk to the corner that best represents their viewpoint, ensuring the transition is orderly and quiet.
Facilitate Corner Discussions
Ask students to discuss their reasoning with others in their corner for 2-3 minutes, tasking them to come up with a summary of their group's logic.
Conduct Whole-Class Sharing
Invite a spokesperson from each corner to share their group's primary arguments while students in other corners listen and take notes.
Allow for Position Shifts
Give students the opportunity to change corners if the arguments they heard from other groups influenced their perspective, followed by a brief reflection.
Research Evidence
Abrami, P. C., Bernard, R. M., Borokhovski, E., Wade, A., Surkes, M. A., Tamim, R., & Zhang, D.
2008 · Review of Educational Research, 78(4), 1102-1134
The study found that collaborative learning strategies where students take positions and defend them significantly improve critical thinking dispositions compared to direct instruction.
Kagan, S.
2009 · Kagan Publishing, San Clemente, CA
The author demonstrates that the Four Corners structure ensures simultaneous interaction and equal participation, which are critical for closing achievement gaps in diverse classrooms.
Topics That Work Well With Four Corners
Browse curriculum topics where Four Corners is a suggested active learning strategy.
Rights in Daily Life
1st Year · Active Citizenship and the Democratic World
The Purpose of Law
1st Year · Active Citizenship and the Democratic World
Children's Rights and the UNCRC
2nd Year · Active Citizenship and the Democratic State
Crime and Punishment
3rd Year · Active Citizenship and Democratic Action
Fact versus Opinion
2nd Class · The Power of Words: Literacy and Expression
Fact versus Opinion
3rd Class · Voices and Visions: Literacy in 3rd Class
Debate and Logical Argument
4th Class · Voices and Visions: Advanced Literacy for 4th Class
The Mechanics of Argument
5th Class · Voices and Visions: Advanced Literacy for 5th Class
Sharing Opinions
1st Year · Foundations of Literacy and Expression
Frequently Asked Questions
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Generate a Mission with Four Corners
Use Flip Education to create a complete Four Corners lesson plan, aligned to your curriculum and ready to use in class.