Rubric:
Individual Grade
Literature circles are a way of allowing students more freedom of choice in their selection of literature. As a group, they read the novel, play, poem or short story and then discuss their reading using guidelines and roles applicable to that work. Students select their roles and then guide the group's discussion of these aspects of the work throughout the literature circle time. They also take notes and sometimes write a formal summary or do an oral presentation on their roles. In British literature, we use several literature circle activities throughout the year, culminating with the contemporary novel literature circles in June. Below is a sample literature circle instruction sheet with the roles specified. These roles change depending on the nature of the literature circles.
Although students conduct their own discussions, assessment still takes place in the form of rubrics. Sometimes the grades are individual, based on the contribution of the student to the group, while other times the group receives a group grade based on their interaction and group accomplishments. Following the sample instruction sheet are links to sample rubrics.
Objectives: You will be able to :
read and analyze a novel independently
identify symbols, allusions and other literary devices
discuss in small group settings
Procedure:
You will have about two weeks to complete the reading of your novel.
This includes 2 weekends
(May 29-31 and June 5-6) Schedule your reading to finish the
book by the time class meets
Friday, June 12. At that time we will begin large group discussion.
By the end of class Friday, May 28 each group will submit in writing
a list of roles assigned and
list of pages to be read by the beginning of class each day.
Although a group may opt for
occasional reading days in class, you will also need to leave time
to discuss the items below.
Class time is for discussion primarily, and your grade depends on your
discussion, not your silent
reading, so please cooperate by sticking to the assigned schedule.
This is NOT a division of labor assignment. Cooperative learning
involves communication, so
your ability to participate in a discussion, back up ideas from the
text and communicate effectively
will determine your grade.
Concepts to discuss:
Literature Circle Roles and Responsibilities:
Discussion leader: Initiates discussion
and engages ALL group members on an equal basis.
Keeps discussion focused at all times on issues to be discussed and keeps
group moving at a reasonable pace through the material to cover. This
person is also in charge of identifying themes and selecting passages
to illustrate the themes.
Characterization recorder: One person lists all characters
discussed and summarizes the group's
analysis of each one with appropriate quotations and page numbers
cited. This person is responsible for making sure the group members
are in agreement regarding each character.
Symbolism recorder:
One person lists all symbols which are used in the novel, copies
quotations and explains the meaning of each symbol.
The Landscaper:
One person records the various geographic locations, descriptions of
what occurs there and how the characters change with their setting.
This job also includes a study of the author's style as he describes
various settings.
Assessment & Evaluation:
Attendance: In all fairness to the class as a whole, anyone absent
must make up the reading at
home. The group depends on the cooperation of all members.
Group Participation: Anyone who is not keeping up with the reading and therefore hampering the group discussion and written work will be removed and receive a zero for the lit. circle unit.
For more information on literature circles and their assessment, see
Daniels, Harvey. Literature Circles: Voice and Choice in the Student-Centered
Classroom. York, Maine: Stenhouse, 1994.