Literature circles involve much discussion among students, but grades are still a part of the classroom experience, so I've designed several rubrics to use with literature circles.  Sometimes students are evaluated individually for their efforts in the literature circles and at other times, the groups are evaluated as a unit with all members of the group receiving the same grade.  During the literature circles, I move around the room or sit where I can observe several groups at once and become the listener in these literary discussions.  Although I might interject a comment or question, the group runs their own discussion based on the roles and topics assigned.  The rubric below is an example of the grading criteria used to give a group grade.

                                                            Literature Circle Rubric for Group Grade
 

                                                                        Needs Improvement        Adequate             Strong
                                                                                  (0-1 pt.)                   (2 pts.)              (3 pts.)

Group members have books and notebooks                  *                              *                          *
out at the beginning of the period

Group members stay on task throughout                          *                              *                          *
the whole period

Group focuses on own work and does not                      *                              *                            *
distract other groups

Each group member participates in the                           *                              *                             *
discussion

Group members encourage participation by                      *                              *                            *
all members

Each group member fulfills his/her assigned                    *                              *                             *
role

Group exhibits good discussion skills, works                    *                              *                            *
as a team instead of at individual tasks

Each required content area is addressed                              *                              *                           *

Ideas are clearly explained and supported                            *                              *                          *
with textual references

Evidence of preparation outside of class                              *                              *                          *
by members collectively or individually so
group may finish in allowed time.

                                                                                                                       Grade______________/30
 

Names of Group Members Sharing Grade: __________________________________________________

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