What is the 4S Structure?
The 4S structure is a concept borrowed from Team-Based Learning, a collaborative method of instruction created by Larry Michaelsen.
While Team-Based Learning itself is best used as part of a course that meets multiple times, the 4S's can be adapted to a range of instructional situations, including one-shot information literacy sessions.
The 4S's are:
While Team-Based Learning itself is best used as part of a course that meets multiple times, the 4S's can be adapted to a range of instructional situations, including one-shot information literacy sessions.
The 4S's are:
- Significant problem: A significant problem is one that asks students to immediately and meaningfully apply the concepts they are learning and will be using for any related assignments that will follow.
- Same problem: Groups work on the same problem rather than different pieces of a larger puzzle.
- Specific choice: Groups are given a specific choice to make rather than asked to answer open-ended questions.
- Simultaneous reporting: Groups report their choice in simple form all at the same time.