Four A's Protocol 2023-03-23

The purpose of the Four A's is to explore a text deeply in light of one's own values and intentions, generating a discussion about a controversial reading.

The teacher introduces a text and a reading strategy to students. The students read the text in groups, highlighting and taking notes to answer four questions about the text's argument, assumptions, points of agreement or disagreement, and affirmation of their beliefs. Each student in the group takes turns answering one of the four questions. The activity concludes with the class coming together for an open discussion about an overarching question related to the text. If there are time constraints, each student grouping can have four students, with each answering one of the questions.

Overall, the Four A's Text Protocol is a useful tool for promoting critical thinking, active engagement, and collaborative learning among students in a variety of contexts, from literature classes to science courses and beyond.