L. Langstraat, Associate Professor of English
Colorado State University
presents multiple, even conflicting, perspectives on a topic or event, in order to provide a rich context and present an aesthetically appealing product for an audience. Your multigenre project should reflect the following:
You should not only include documents that relate to a general topic or event, but you should ensure that the documents forward a point of significance, a rhetorical purpose.Documents should be created and organized in order to lead readers through the project, to help them understand your focus and purpose. A series of seemingly unconnected pieces, though they may share a similar topic, will not result in a strong multigenre project. Instead, readers should experience a sense of cohesion, a sense of connection and transition between each generic document in the project. You can create coherence through transitional pieces between genres, your table of contents, etc.
Begin with an informal In this proposal, you have an opportunity to think-in-writing about your plans for your multigenre research. This is an informal piece of writing about your research interests, the questions guiding those interests, and the potential genre documents you’d like to produce. We’ll then give you feedback and suggestions about your ideas and guide you in the right direction for research. Your proposal should include: a list of 5 questions that might guide your research; an explanation of WHY you’re interested in this topic; ideas about primary and secondary sources that might be useful? Ideas about genres are you thinking about producing for your project (see list of genres); and a projection of how you will ensure that those genres can are connected, so that the mgp becomes a coherent whole, a clear argument?
includes at least 8 documents (including an Introduction, Table of Contents, 5 documents of different genres, and a works cited page) that offer a sustained argument about your chosen issue. By creating documents in different genres (e.g., the academic research essay, editorials, feature stories, brochures, short fiction, charts, scripts, etc.), you learn to write for multiple audiences, multiple purposes, and multiple forums.
Past students have “packaged” their MGPs as a CD, a scrapbook, a photo album, a patient file, an employee handbook, a manual, a newspaper, a magazine—the options are endless! Just be sure to offer us a table of contents (TOC) that provides an overview of and title for each document.
helping us understand the issue you’re addressing, offering us insight about why you chose the genres you chose, etc. The intro is your chance to help us understand why this topic is important, how we should “read” your documents, etc. The intro may be written as a letter to readers, a magazine article, an editorial, etc.
Aim for a good balance of genres, and be sure that at least three of your documents use the sources you’ve gathered from your library research. By writing a traditional researched essay, a brochure that utilizes your research sources, a chart or other visual, a story drawing from the information you’ve gathered, a quiz based on researched sources, etc.—by approaching your research findings in a creative way, your MGP helps an audience understand many different perspectives about your topic. Some of the documents you’ll include may be more time-intensive than others. But the 5 documents that make up the body of your MGP should show your knowledge, creativity, and ability to persuade your audience(s) toward your central claim.
As you cite sources for each document, your citation approach should be appropriate for each genre. It’s a rare ghost story, for example, that includes parenthetical citation practices! But there are creative ways to ensure that you a) give credit to the source from which you draw information (e.g., discussing that info in your introduction, using endnotes/acknowledgment pages, etc.), and b) establish your credibility as a writer who has conducted significant research to support your opinion.
by MiddleWeb · Published 08/18/2022 · Updated 08/18/2022
A Teacher’s Guide to the Multigenre Research Project: Everything You Need to Get Started By Melinda Putz (Heinemann Press, 2020 – Learn more )
Reviewed by Erin Corrigan-Smith
By encouraging students to seek out learning they are most interested in, engagement is increased, and learning becomes more meaningful.
Though often used in the Social Studies or Science classrooms, MGRP lends itself to activating student interest in almost any classroom setting and with almost any subject.
Most disciplines have standards that involve research of some kind. The MGRP offers an alternative to the traditional research essay or poster-board project. It’s a fresh way to excite students to get them to take ownership of what they want to research, while also hitting those all-important research standards.
The very nature of the MGRP requires students to synthesize their learning through artifacts from multiple genres, i.e., poetry, essay, cartoons, etc., and this synthesis gets students to that all-important Depth of Knowledge Level 4 many schools and districts aspire to.
For any teacher interested in offering an MGRP for student choice, but who is afraid of administrative kickback, there is an entire chapter (10) dedicated solely to the research and standards behind the MGRP.
The MGRP is something to offer for older grades – at least grade 6, with some modifications. By the time students have reached high school, they should already possess the basic skills for researching topics, so implementing the MGRP will be a relatively painless transition. ( See these ideas for middle school from Jeremy Hyler. )
Though not a simple task, implementing the MGRP allows students to follow their own interests, so they are more determined to complete the projects they have chosen. This is not a stuffy essay! Rather, it is a chance for students to truly show their learning and mastery on any topic they choose. In the words of Putz:
Nearly all of the ideas I have included in this book have been created, tried, and revised over a period of about ten years. Although I’ve included lots of handouts and step-by-step instructions, I believe the teaching of this project should be in no way formulaic. The multigenre project should be all about exploration, innovation, and individuality (p. 14).
The book is deceptively thin, but it packs a wallop in information! Each chapter has been well organized to get to the point, and reach it quickly, so that the teacher can get students started as soon as they are ready. The text also includes access to online materials, provided through the Heinemann website, for download and immediate implementation. The samples include handouts, lesson plan ideas, and exemplars for students to see.
Each step of the process is well thought out and well implemented to make the most use of classroom time. Essentially, the book is the layout for the project and each chapter builds upon the one before it.
For anyone new to the MGRP idea, Chapter 11 is where you would want to begin. This chapter lays out the proposed schedule, troubleshooting ideas, and even a process for using the MGRP as a group project. After reviewing the information in Chapter 11, return to Chapter 1 for a run-down of what, exactly, an MGRP is, and a chart on how it differs from a traditional research project.
For those teachers who are tired of fighting an uphill battle to get students to complete a research essay or presentation, this is a viable option that offers a chance for students’ buy in while also challenging them to dig deeper and find true meaning in what interests them most.
Erin Corrigan-Smith is a secondary ELA teacher in a suburb of Atlanta. She has a B.A. and M.A. in English, and her focus of study is children’s literature. She has recently returned to school to earn an Ed.D. in Reading and Literacy. In her downtime, she enjoys going to her family’s cabin in the North Georgia mountains with her husband and dog to read, complete her never-ending piles of homework, and relax.
Tags: DOK 4 Erin Corrigan-Smith Heinemann Press Melinda Putz MGRP Multigenre Research Project research student engagement
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You will complete a research project about writing in your content area. This project will differ from a traditional research paper because it will explore your topic using at least 6 different genres (2 pre-determined, 4 self-selected). Your textbook (Daniels, Zemelman, & Steineke) has an excellent explanation and examples of multi-genre projects in chapter 9.
Required Components
Your Project must include the following components:
Each of artifacts represents key information about the topic in an original or creative way. Three or more artifacts should effectively use technology tools to communicate the information. The message is enhanced by the technology selected. Each artifact will contribute to a well-developed central idea.
Artifact 1 -- Traditional research essay (3-4 pages) addressing the theory and practice of writing in your content area. It should explain why using writing in any content area is an effective way to help students learn the content; this provides the theoretical underpinnings, and 2) How to use writing in the content area to make learning happen; In other words, what strategies and writing tasks could be used. You will need a minimum of 5 different resources. All research must be cited using APA, and a Works Cited page must be included.
Artifacts 2-5 (Self-Selected Genres)
Next you will select 4 different genres through which to present key concepts of your subject area. These will be models of what you might use in your 5 th -12 th grade classroom. The artifacts should be designed to be used as models/samples for assignments for your 6-12 students; focus on various aspects of your chosen theme/topic in your subject area
One Rubric developed to adequately measure student performance on completing one of the self-selected artifacts.
Lastly, you will write a reflective piece (2-3 pages) discussing the process of completing your project and what you learned throughout the process. A detailed description for this project is offered at the end of the syllabus. This long term project will address the Florida State Writing Standards 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. It will also address the following subject area Competencies and Skills for Middle Grades English: Standards 3, 4, 6, & 7. You will be required to bring to class drafts of each different part of the project throughout the semester, as we engage in the different stages of the writing process, including peer feedback and revision. Please see the assignment description for further directions/details.
Students must upload the Multi-Genre Project into Chalk & Wire by the assignment due date.
Genre – a genre is a category of writing with its own distinctive style, form, and format. These include but are not limited to the following:
At least three artifacts must effectively use relevant technology tools to communicate the message. Examples of technology tools that may be used:
My juniors don’t know it (unless they read this blog, in which case, hi students! Surprise!), but they are going to begin a multigenre research project in a couple of weeks.
I first learned about multigenre research papers from Buffy Hamilton —I had heard of multigenre research papers before I attended Buffy’s session at the annual GCTE conference, but I hadn’t learned about them. In that session, she recommended Tom Romano’s book Blending Genre, Altering Style , which is still the gold standard for multigenre research writing. I walked out of the session very excited to try this kind of writing with my students, but I needed some time to figure out how to do it and what I wanted it to look like.
Buffy exemplifies what is best about Web 2.0 in her willingness not only to share her presentations, but also her materials with teachers who might not have been fortunate enough to attend her presentation (and, of course, those who were). Here is a link to her wiki page with her presentation and materials . I adapted the materials, and in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike license under which Buffy shared her materials, you can download mine under the same license. Note: These files are PDF’s. If you just want to print, click the link and click Print. If you want to save the files, right click and save the link (save link as, save target as). You should be able to download them that way. If not, let me know.
The twist on the assignment for me, and the main way I changed Buffy’s materials, is that I want my students to share their projects using a Google Site. Our school has Google Apps, and I think using Google Sites will be a good way for students to learn a little bit about online publishing but still maintain control over who sees their work—Google Sites can be shared only with others on the network.
You can create multigenre research projects on anything, but I want my students to research a British author. Because I think a model is essential in undertaking an assignment like this one, I created a model for the assignment. Here is my Jane Austen multigenre research project . My angle is that in the last fifteen years or so, we’ve seen Jane Austen’s impact on pop culture grow, well, I don’t want to say exponentially because it might not be quite that profound, but you get the idea. Math folks? Exponentially or not? Anyway, I attribute a lot of this growth to the 1996 BBC film of Pride and Prejudice starring Colin Firth (congratulations, Colin Firth!) and Jennifer Ehle.
Feel free to download and adapt the materials I shared, though original portions of the Jane Austen project are copyrighted by me (portions of the work owned by others are cited on the Works Cited page). You can share the project with your students, but please do not duplicate it on your own website.
5 thoughts on “multigenre research project”.
I am reading this blog with interest because I am trying to encourage the senior Brit lit teachers at my school to tackle a multigenre research project, but I didn't have examples that would really work with British literature. You've hit the nail on the head! Wow–everything looks great. We are running a bit behind this year (as usual), but I would really like for all of us to at least consider doing this type of project, even if it means that we do it next year. So, thanks for sharing your wonderful examples, Dana.
I love my multigenre project. I do it with Romeo and Juliet as well as Fahrenheit 451. I only do one or the other because they can be a little tedious to grade. Thanks for sharing this stuff! It is awesome.
Thanks, Jordan. This is the first time I will be trying it out, so I will be sure to write later about any grading issues.
This is awesome! How kind of you to share your resources. Some of my best writing experiences (and therefore, my best writing samples) have been multigenre projects. I have never been asked to use the multigenre as a way of researching a topic or author; I always wrote fiction (or rather, a fictionalized version of my own truth). But, I think perhaps students will resist the research project less if they get some input. Really, your work on Jane Austin changed my impression of her a bit; so all of the students who do a multigenre research project and then "publish" it through Google docs have also added a little to their subjects' history.
I think that's how technology is supposed to work in a classroom: Inspiring creativity in a way that makes an impression on others.
Thanks, Sarah. I hope the change was for the positive! The old girl certainly has grown on me in the last five years or so.
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Instead of producing a single, large report, a multigenre project requires students to separate the information into multiple, smaller products in various genres. Students collect facts/information as they would for a traditional report. Then, they must choose which information to present in each format. No information can be repeated within each student’s project. This requires students to evaluate how to present specific facts; students must determine a best fit.
Charlene Crouch at Selma Elementary (Selma, IN) integrated a variety of writing genres within her students’ research projects on U.S. states. ( Download a fifth grade student example on Colorado .) Requiring specific types of information and facts, students had to present the required data within a variety of genres.
When Mandy Keele, Southside Elementary (Columbus, IN) learned about the multigenre research project during the 2011 Smekens Literacy Retreat, she wanted to try it with her fourth graders. Her students selected topics of interest and collected information about their subjects, taking notes and organizing facts. Check out a couple student samples.
For more information, read Multigenre Research Project: Everything You Need to Get Started by Melinda Putz.
Related resources.
These days, when students read and write, often it is not only in one genre. Instead, the types and kinds of reading and writing intertwine and blend together. Their work becomes multigenre. In Blending Genre, Altering Style (Heinemann, 2000), Tom Romano describes how multigenre texts work: "Multigenre allows us to "meld fact, interpretation, and imagination,' into a series of self-contained pieces called crots that appear in forms that include poetry, prose, drama, and exposition" (109). This interactive invites students to create original multigenre, multimodal works-one drawing and three written texts. The tool asks students to name the genres for each section, making the tool flexible for multiple writing activities. The Multigenre Mapper Planning Sheet , a printable PDF, allows writers to draft and revise their work before going online to use the interactive.
This recurring lesson encourages students to comprehend their reading through inquiry and collaboration. They choose important quotations from the text and work in groups to formulate "quiz" questions that their peers will answer.
Students deepen and refine their understanding of prepositions by reading Ruth Heller's Behind the Mask . They write preposition poetry and create a study guide using an online tool.
A place to discuss all things English Majoresque, from favorite novels to lack of jobs and being made fun of by STEM majors. Non-majors also welcome.
Hello! Fellow English major here!
I have a multigenre research project coming up and am having a tough time figuring out what I want my topic to be. My professor has provided some interesting student samples to say the least, ranging from Princess Diana to mental hospitals to cats (the species, not the movie). All of which are a bit intimidating because I'm doubtful of my writing skills here.
Anyways, I'm looking for something interesting as the topics above but my brain is absolutely stumped. I know it's recommended that you choose something you're passionate about, but all of my personal passions are weak and I can't see myself writing 12 pages of it.
What would you, as a reader and maybe professor, would like to read a project about? Something contemporary, something informative and creative!
Sorry if this comes off as lazy or picky, I am just flooded with assignments and finals approaching :( Even if no one replies, thank you for your time!
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Learn what multigenre writing is and how it can enhance your research and communication skills. Explore the benefits, features, and examples of multigenre projects and assignments.
te your own versions as you have time and inclination.The next eight chapters will take you step-by-step through the teaching of the multigenre unit: the assignment, research, genre and style, revision, cohesion, re-flection and evaluation, and performance. Each of these chapters contains an over-view of that porti.
Learn how to teach a multigenre research project that engages students, differentiates by ability and interest, and covers all the required standards. See 11 reasons why this approach to writing and reading is the key to literacy success and some examples of student projects.
Learn what multigenre writing is, how it differs from traditional research papers, and what genres and topics you can choose for your project. See examples of multigenre projects by students and get feedback from teachers and experts.
Learn how to engage students in multigenre research projects that allow them to choose topics and genres that suit their interests and goals. See examples of past projects and how to support students in distance learning.
Learn how to create a multigenre project that presents multiple perspectives on a topic or event, using different genres and sources. See the requirements, guidelines, and examples for this research assignment.
Learn how to implement the Multigenre Research Project (MGRP), a fresh way to engage students in research and synthesis of multiple genres. This book by Melinda Putz offers tips, resources, and examples for teachers of any subject and grade level.
multi-genre research project, students use the information gathered from their research and the books they read to create snippets oftheir authors' lives. Romano's multi-genre paper makes students craft their research in their own words, through multiple viewpoints and different genres. It requires higher-order thinking because
This project will differ from a traditional research paper because it will explore your topic using at least 6 different genres (2 pre-determined, 4 self-selected). Your textbook (Daniels, Zemelman, & Steineke) has an excellent explanation and examples of multi-genre projects in chapter 9.
of a multi-genre project is ensuring multiple perspectives and voices all work together to create a cohesive project! Requirements: With your group, create pieces of writing from each section to showcase a major theme from your novel. Your group will need to "package" your project in a cohesive way that reflects the theme of your novel.
Learn how multigenre projects can engage students in inquiry, critical thinking, and creativity when reporting research. See examples of multigenre projects and how they challenge students to use different writing genres and technologies.
Review or Critique of a Published Source Multigenre Research Projects: Review and a Poster for a Movie, Book, or TV Series Scene from a Movie with Notes for Camera Shots Scene from a Play with Cast and Set Descriptions, and Stage Directions Schedule, Things to Do, Shopping, or Packing List School Homework or Report Card
Over the course of the project, you will complete several Planning Assignments designed to help you generate, gather, and organize your ideas and information. Grading. The final multigenre research project is weighted as 45% of the English 10H course grade. Planning assignments are weighted 20% of the English 10H course grade.
a multigenre research project is successfully completed can't be matched. For five years, my univer-sity preservice teachers and I have collaborated with Laurie Swistak and her fifth graders to write multi-genre research papers and give oral presentations. My students serve as mentors during our weekly meetings and teach minilessons on genre, li-
MGRP Requirements. One reason we attend school is to acquire the skills necessary to learn on our own later in life. The multi-genre research project will help you learn some of these skills while researching a topic of your choice. It will also give you formats for presenting the information you have learned in different ways.
You can create multigenre research projects on anything, but I want my students to research a British author. ... blog with interest because I am trying to encourage the senior Brit lit teachers at my school to tackle a multigenre research project, but I didn't have examples that would really work with British literature. You've hit the nail on ...
Create multigenre research projects. Instead of producing a single, large report, a multigenre project requires students to separate the information into multiple, smaller products in various genres. Students collect facts/information as they would for a traditional report. Then, they must choose which information to present in each format.
Thinking about what a multigenre project might look likeRecorded for R_C 2001, Summer 2021Appalachian State UniversityRecorded with https://screencast-o-mati...
This interactive invites students to create original multigenre, multimodal works-one drawing and three written texts. The tool asks students to name the genres for each section, making the tool flexible for multiple writing activities. The Multigenre Mapper Planning Sheet, a printable PDF, allows writers to draft and revise their work before ...
The final multigenre research project is weighted as 45% of the English 10H course grade. Planning assignments and research journal entries are weighted 20% of the English 10H course grade. ... Here are some examples of past multi-genre research projects. How Society Has Influenced the Tales of the Grimm Brothers / Created by Christina. Motown ...
You will be creating a multi-genre project. Each genre of writing will have its own guidelines for submission. Argumentative Full Draft FCA's: FCA #1: Topic Sentences Connect to Reasons in Claim (10) FCA #2: Introduce, Cite, and Explain all Quotations/Evidence (10 points) FCA #3: Third Person Only (10/-2 points)
In the multi-genre research project, students use the information gathered from their research and the books they read to create snippets of their authors'lives. Romano's multi-genre paper makes students craft their research in their own words, through multiple viewpoints and different genres.
Fellow English major here! I have a multigenre research project coming up and am having a tough time figuring out what I want my topic to be. My professor has provided some interesting student samples to say the least, ranging from Princess Diana to mental hospitals to cats (the species, not the movie). All of which are a bit intimidating ...