Literature affords an opportunity for students to engage in discussion on the writer’s craft and providing insights based on their reading. The big idea is to have students take ownership of their learning and engage in critical thinking. A teacher may employ numerous strategies from which students can engage in discussion. One such method is effectively using literature circles in the classroom.
Literature circles are formed on the basis of student choice which is why the books must be reflective of their interest and make accommodations for their age and backgrounds. The main aim in a literature circle is to get students to read and make judgements based on their understanding of the text. Employing literature circles in the classroom helps the student develop a personal response to the text and involves students in discussions and arguments within their respective groups.
Not only does it highlight discussion, but also the literature circle provides an opportunity for collaboration and a way for students to engage in critical thinking and reflection. (Shlick Noe, 2004)
Additionally, literature circles are not limited to combining collaborative learning and student directed learning, the peer collaboration also has a positive effect on their learning and performance in language arts (Fall et al., 2000) student comprehension and content knowledge is dramatically increased as they engage in discussion and exchanges based on a particular text ( klinger, Vaugn, Schumm , 1998)
Literature circles are
· Reader response centred; discussions are based on the readers understanding of the text
· Guided primarily by student insight
· Groups formed by group choice
· Different groups read different books
· Teacher serves as a facilitator and not an instructor
· Structured for independence, responsibility and ownership
· Discussion topics come from students
· Intended as a content in which to apply reading and writing skills
In addition to that students in the various groups are given specific roles to fulfill, for example a group may be comprised of a discussion facilitator, illustrator, connector and summariser. Each individual at the end of the allotted time has to present to the class based on their specific duty. In applying the above stated strategy, the teacher would have found a way to engage students in reading both aesthetically and efferently.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEjQ_zcqJi8&feature=related
literature circle in action:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-W46ApUVDo&feature=related
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