http://www.decd.sa.gov.au/northernadelaide/files/links/mysterylessonplans.pdf
This website (well actually, online PDF file) suggests a way to introduce the use of Literature circles into the classroom using a series of steps in increasing difficulty:
1. Book talks - to expose students to a wide range of books and help them decide on a book to explore in further detail
2. Journalling - to help students stay on-task by reading regularly and reflecting on their experience and thoughts as they read
3. Role sheets - to plan and delegate jobs within each circle
4. Circle discussions - to meet and discuss books read!
5. Evaluation (of self and of group)
6. Reflection
This long process of reading, sharing and reflecting allows students to take ownership of their own reading and their learning through reading, as they are encouraged to constantly reflect on what they're reading, how it makes them feel, what they like/dislike about the writing, what speaks to them, why a text is effective/not-so-effective...It also helps students pay greater attention to literary techniques than they might if they were to be reading for leisure only.
Through Literature circles, students can reflect on their own reading in a collaborative setting and thus learn from their peers. The peer relationship going on here also provides a 'safer' and more comfortable environment for students to share their ideas than a teacher-directed/lecture style classroom, where students might feel more afraid to speak up.
The document even provides rubrics for self-assessment and peer-assessment along the way, so students can monitor their own learning progress and be more engaged in their learning. The rubrics help to structure students' thinking and understand what's important and what they should focus on (e.g. for circle discussions, "I gave reasons for my opinions", "I disagreed without hurting others' feelings").
For those who'd like ideas on scaffolding Literature lessons (like myself), this document would be perfect! Since it breaks down the process of getting students to engage in Literature circles into simpler steps.
Literature circles is a good way to encourage discussion but require time and must be sustained for students to really internalise what it means to discussion. The role allocation idea of Literature circle is useful generally for getting students to understand the different roles that we play as members of a group discussing a text.
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