Team Building
Self Assessment
FOUR CORNERS
PURPOSE:

To recognize the diverse needs and priorities learners have

To establish ground rules for the group’s work together

To understand the 4 parts of the Experiential Learning Cycle
MATERIALS:

Diagrams on chart paper (see below)
“Four Corners”
”Experiential Learning Cycle”

TIME:
Prepared “Corner Charts” hung in 4 corners of the room (see below)
45 minutes
EXPERIENCE:
IN ADVANCE: Post 4 signs in 4 corners of the room: Structure, Meaning, Action, People.
1. Explain the learning objectives (PURPOSE) of the activity.
2. Acknowledge the obvious: We all come to this course (and to any learning experience)
with our own set of needs, goals, preferences, and priorities. We’d like things to be
done our way always…but that’s not possible in a room of diverse learners.
3. Explain that the class will rely heavily on group work, and that understanding our various
learning preferences will help make that group work more effective.
4. Show the Four Corners diagram and briefly explain each type. Point out the corresponding
charts on the walls.
5. Invite participants to think about their own needs and preferences as learners in a group
setting. Invite them to choose the corner that best describes them most of the time, and
move to that area. (If people insist that they’re a combination, or “it depends,” encourage
them to choose a corner for now.)
6. Each group answers the questions on their chart. Allow 10 minutes.
7. After 10 minutes, ask each corner to report out (staying in their corners). Write all the
“ground rules” on one chart at the front of the room, eliminating any duplication, and clarifying
wording if necessary.
Copyright © 1992-2012 NC REAL Enterprises, Inc.
FOUR CORNERS, p. 1
Team Building
Self Assessment
8. When all groups have reported, ask if the list of ground rules seems complete, and invite
people to suggest additional rules if needed. Ask everyone to sit down in “corner” groups.
9. Show the diagram of the Experiential Learning Cycle (ELC), and explain the 4 parts with
these or similar words. Add notes and examples to the chart as you go, if you wish.
In this class, we will use a process called Experiential Learning. The idea is that
learning naturally happens in a cycle.

It starts with an experience—the learner does something or sees something
happen. In this class, it will usually be a hands-on activity related to business.

She then reflects on the experience, noticing what she thinks and feels about it. I
might ask you to discuss the activity in class, or write about it in your journal.

If her response is positive, she expands on the experience, exploring it further and
learning more about the ideas surrounding it. For us, expansion might include
homework assignments, research, or guest speakers.

Finally, the learner uses, or applies, what she has learned in a new situation.
Hopefully, you will apply what you learn in this class as you plan and start your
own small business!
And the cycle continues…
10. Ask if there are any questions about the ELC, and answer them if there are.
REFLECTION:
Invite participants to discuss these questions with their “corner” group, and then to share with the
whole class.

What parts of the cycle appeal to you most, as a “Structure” person? (or Meaning, Action,
People)

Is there any part of the learning cycle that you think will be boring, difficult, or unnecessary for
you?

How can we use what we know about our learning preferences to support the Experiential
Learning Cycle?

What can we do to avoid driving each other crazy as we each learn in our own way?
EXPANSION & APPLICATION:
Keep the Ground Rules and the Experiential Learning Cycle diagrams posted in the classroom
throughout the course, if possible.
Copyright © 1992-2012 NC REAL Enterprises, Inc.
FOUR CORNERS, p. 2
Team Building
Self Assessment
DIAGRAMS
ACTION
STRUCTURE
Like to act, try things,
Pay attention to details.
plunge in.
Organized, on time, play
On the job learners.
by the rules.
Motto is “Just do it!”
“Task masters”
MEANING
Believe that effective
work starts with a clear
vision.
“Big picture” people
PEOPLE
In tune with others.
Want to be sure all voices
are heard, conflicts are
resolved, needs are met.
“Pulse-takers”
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING CYCLE
EXPERIENCE
APPLICATION
REFLECTION
EXPANSION
Copyright © 1992-2012 NC REAL Enterprises, Inc.
FOUR CORNERS, p. 3
Team Building
Self Assessment
CORNER CHARTS
Prepare 4 charts, one for each corner (Structure, Meaning, Action, People), with these questions:
STRUCTURE
What are the strengths of your style? (4 adjectives)
What are the limitations of your style? (4 adjectives)
What are one or two “ground rules” for working with your style?
Copyright © 1992-2012 NC REAL Enterprises, Inc.
FOUR CORNERS, p. 4