Artifact # 11
Context: The concept for a multigenre research paper originated in Dr. Linda Kucan's courses RE5130 Teaching the Language Arts and RE5730 Reading and Writing for Intermediate and Advanced Learners. This is a tremendous opportunity for a student to transform a traditional essay into a multidimensional format that truly enhances their understanding of a topic whether it be Roanoke, The Lost Colony (collaborative project 2003) or Charles Darwin. Writing in my Language Tutorial class is primarily structured as a response to expository literature. Topic choices are generally linked to subject area classes and the focus is primarily on more traditional transactional forms of writing.. For example, this fall, the 8th grade were studying Egypt and my 'transition' students were asked to shape a collection of multigenre writings around this topic using David Macauley's books Mosque and Pyramid. Students first received an invitation for the overall project and rubric for each individual component such as the recipe. This project gave students the opportunity to build research skills as well as write in a variety of transactional and expressive genres (expanded essay, a character's point-of-view, recipe and comparison/contrast paragraph). The students always amaze me with their amazing fluidity as they move from one genre to the next.
Alignment A. Instructional
Expertise: The candidate demonstrates instructional expertise by applying the
theoretical, philosophical, and research bases for educational practice in
P-12 settings to improve student learning.
Alignment B. Knowledge of Learners: The candidate incorporates knowledge of the nature of the learner, learning processes, variations in learning abilities and learning styles, and strategies for evaluating learning into the planning, delivery, and evaluation of instruction. Because typically a student has a choice of topic with the multigenre paper this creates a venue that clearly is responsive to differences among all learners. The end-product is reflective of their differences and incredible 'gifts' of interpretation. When these vital projects are shared, the boundaries of the classroom extend into the fabric of their lives.
Alignment D. Content Knowledge: The candidate demonstrated advanced depth and breadth of knowledge and skills in the academic discipline and education. As this written form reflects a current trend of education that melds transactional and expressive writing, a teacher must have a clear understanding of the genre before introducing it to a community of students.