Artifact 6

Artifact Six: Multi-Genre Project: This artifact focuses on writing and the variety of writing genres that can be used to convey information about a topic.

Context: During the graduate course, RE 5130, Teaching the Language Arts, I learned many useful techniques, strategies, and practices to help my students become better writers. Dr. Ulmer modeled several practices and new methods for getting reluctant writers involved with the whole writing process. The many writing genres that she shared with the class were very appealing and could be taught to even the most reluctant of writers. After sharing her techniques and strategies for writing, our assignment was to compile a Multi-Genre Writing Project on a topic of our choice. I chose Billy the Kid for my Multi-Genre Project. I used several different writing genres to share my research. They include a Wanted Poster, Letters, Songs, and a Criminal Report. The purpose of the writing project was to show how non-traditional type research papers can convey the same information but through a variety of different writing styles. Another part of the assignment was to plan and implement our own multi-genre writing project within our own classroom. As I was finishing up this course the Holidays were drawing near which gave me the idea for my class multi-genre assignment. I chose to have them research their own Holiday Family traditions. I included the Writing Genres guidelines for the project, Examples of Writing Genres, and a Grading Rubric. My students were very excited about the project and were all eager to share them when we returned to school after the Holidays.

Alignment:

Standard A: Instructional Expertise This standard shows my ability to integrate literacy across several content areas. Reading and writing are integrated throughout each subject area in a creative way that supports students' learning.

Standard B: Knowledge of Learners This standard reflects how multiple strategies in reading and writing can actively engage students in the learning process.

Standard C: Research This standard shows the connection between research findings and the most current practice in education.

Standard D: Content Knowledge This indicates the use of multiple teaching strategies as determined by research which helps in meeting student's diverse learning styles.

Standard E: Professional Development & Leadership This standard reflects the use of appropriate collaboration to provide an alternative form of assessment across several different content areas.