Teaching Video

Reciprocal Teaching in the Science Classroom from MSQI on Vimeo.

Welcome!

This website is to provide you with a self-guided exploration of Multi-genre Research.  In multi-genre research projects, students conduct research and convey their findings by writing multiple pieces in varying genres instead of (or in addition to) a traditional expository research paper.  We all know that choice is an important component in engaging middle and high school students.  Multi-genre research allows students to make choices about how to present their research findings in creative ways often leading to a deeper, more personal connection to their topics.  They can learn many of the skills and processes of research while developing the ability to convey information for a variety of purposes and audiences.  This type of project can be successfully adapted for multiple content areas.

Through this exploration, you will answer the following questions:

• What is a Multi-genre Research Project?
• How is it beneficial for students?
• What does it look like?
• How can I create an MGR?
• And how can I adapt this for use in my classroom?

Your Task

The best way to learn is through experience.  Your final task will be to create a Multi-genre research project on your own and reflect on how it could be used in your future classroom.

Procedures

1.  Visit this website from Colorado State University.  Read the Introduction to Multigenre Research.  

2.  Tom Romano developed the concept of Multi-genre Research Projects after reading a historical novel about Billy the Kid written in this style.  Here he is talking about MGR.

3.  Check out this Wiki for a bit more info about this approach to research.

4.  Now, go to our course Google Folder to the MGR models folder under Course Documents.

• Check out the MGR models created by former students.  You can look over these as you... 
• Check out the assignment details and rubric.  
• Watch this video for more tips on the MGR Project.

5.  Optional:  If you are interested in some of the published research, read and write a response to one or more of the articles that can be found in the "Articles" folder in the "MGR Model" folder.  Include your response when you turn in your final project.

6.  Now that you have a sense of what MGR Projects are, post a topic idea on the discussion board.  You can do your project on any area of interest (even if it is outside of your content area). You can even do it on something you have already researched for another class or a topic you may have to teach on one day and want to know more about. I want you to have fun with this and delve into something you want to learn more about.  I have seen great projects about historical events, scientists, writers, musicians, artists, mathematical theories, scientific discoveries, video games, diseases, social justice issues, environmental issues, learning disabilities, and political figures.  When you post your topic, indicate the topic, your reasons for choosing it, and what your main research questions will be.  You can also brainstorm possible genres that you might use, but you don't need to finalize that just yet.  Post your topic by July 21.

6.  Once your topic is approved, begin doing your research!  Locate and evaluate your sources as you would with a traditional research paper.  Read and take notes, then organize those notes according to how you think your main points could best be conveyed by varying genres.

7.  If you would like feedback on your project plan, share a link with your instructor.  Include what genres you will use and if you plan to use a central theme or story to pull them together, and I will let you know if your plan seems viable and likely to yield a cohesive project.

8.  Create your project!  The final project is due July 31
.

Assessment

Your understanding of MGR will be assessed based on your final project and your reflection located in the cover letter of that project.  Please feel free to ask questions in class and via email or during virtual Office Hours. Good luck!