Four Corners Activity
This activity is a great way to encourage class discussion where there are multiple positions on an issue, or very different topics students can choose (for example, arguing which event is more influential).
This activity involves having students move to different parts of the room based on their personal position on said issue. To set up, print of posters, signs, or give verbal instructions about different areas of a room and the different positions they represent. For example, if you are exploring factors shaping nationalism, you could divide the room into historical, social, economic, geographic, or political. After the areas are established, instruct students to move to the position they agree with. Once students are there, give lead team for each group to develop arguments for their position, then have them share their position with the class.
To slightly modify this activity, you could have students create posters instead of sharing verbally. Furthermore, this activity does not need to be limited to four positions, as it would be effective for any number of positions.
This activity involves having students move to different parts of the room based on their personal position on said issue. To set up, print of posters, signs, or give verbal instructions about different areas of a room and the different positions they represent. For example, if you are exploring factors shaping nationalism, you could divide the room into historical, social, economic, geographic, or political. After the areas are established, instruct students to move to the position they agree with. Once students are there, give lead team for each group to develop arguments for their position, then have them share their position with the class.
To slightly modify this activity, you could have students create posters instead of sharing verbally. Furthermore, this activity does not need to be limited to four positions, as it would be effective for any number of positions.