The+Multigenre+Inquiry+Project

I. What is a Multigenre Inquiry Project? Tom Romano, the guru of this form writes: [|Romano A multigenre paper arises from research.docx]

Camille Allen adds: The best way I can describe a multigenre paper is to say that each piece in the paper utilizes a different genre, reveals one facet of the topic, and makes its own point. Conventional devices do not connect the pieces in a multigenre paper, nor are the pieces always in chronological order. The paper is instead a collage of writing and artistic expression with an overarching theme that engulfs and informs the reader. (2) From Camille Allen's //The Multigenre Research Paper// (2001): II. This type of paper is based upon **Inquiry-Based Instruction.** [|Inquiry-Based Instruction UCCSS.docx]

III. **Brainstorming** a topic. There are many ways to decide on how to brainstorm a topic but you also need to consider if you are a right-brained or left-brained individual. See this article on [|Brainstorming] from About.com. Write down all the ideas that you have and see which ones pop out to you. What is most appealing? What do you feel passionate about researching? One way many writers are exploring is a [|mind map:]

IV. **Proposal.** After your brainstorm a topic, the first formal part of the inquiry Project is the **proposal:** Length: about one page The first portion of this paper, a proposal, is due on __. The one page proposal begins your thinking about the project and includes: Here is an example proposal: [|Example inquiry proposal.docx]
 * A. Proposal (25 points) **
 * o The subject of my inquiry (reading groups, word knowledge skills, using literature circles, using graphic novels. . . )
 * o A big question (guiding question) about this subject that you want to answer (e.g. How can poetry be taught in a way that taps into popular culture?)
 * o A rationale for why I want to study this subject this semester.
 * o A summary of what I know about this subject at this time.
 * o A prediction about what I think I will discover during my investigation.
 * o Sources that I plan to consult (including websites, people, organizations).
 * o A discussion of the importance of this subject that answers the "so what?"

After selecting an idea on the subject of reading or teaching literature which interests or puzzles you (for instance, how to identify and work with reluctant readers), you will read and review at least eight (8) authoritative sources on the topic. These will be compiled into an //annotated// bibliography that will be handed in with your completed inquiry project. The inquiry project proper will be submitted to the English378 Inquiry Project wikispace__.__
 * B. ** Next, begin your research and find the best sources for your ideas. Include these in your ** Annotated bibliography (10 points). **

__** C. Desktop Teaching Session (15 points) **__ Once you have written your project (see instructions below in Section V), you will create a poster/PowerPoint summarizing the main points of your inquiry project. This will be presented on in a 2 ½ minute timeframe, where you will discuss your findings with the members of your class. To present you will pair with another student, or responder, who will sit across from you. The responder will listen to your presentation and ask perceptive questions that will help you clarify and explain your presentation. Responders should also provide general feedback. Then you will switch roles. You will then be paired with another student and we will repeat the procedure as many times as possible in the time allotted. At the conclusion of the class you will turn in your assignment on the Inquiry Project wiki.
 * ** Objectives **
 * 1) To describe the purpose, scope, and context of your term project.
 * 2) To identify the main points of your project.
 * 3) To provide support for your argument and summarize your conclusions.
 * 4) To create a visual representation of one of your ideas in the form of a graphic.

A. Your presentation should include //at least// the following:
 * ** Specifications for the Poster/PowerPoint **
 * 1) Statement of purpose and scope of your work.
 * 2) Brief background explaining the need for your project, your specific research question, your thesis statement, or project goals.
 * 3) One or two “paragraphs” providing the main points of your presentation and support for those main points or overview of your project.
 * 4) At least one original graphic (table, bulleted list, chart, graph, or illustration).
 * 5) Summary or conclusion of your paper or one aspect (such an instructional unit) of your project.
 * 6) If you choose to do a poster: Use a large piece of poster board. You must make sure your writing is legible and even. The poster should be easy to read and neat.

The purpose of your graphics should be to provide additional information; indicate relationships; help readers comprehend difficult concepts; summarize, clarify, or emphasize information; or increase interest in your term paper/project. You must create an original graphic; in other words, you must do more than scan a graphic created by someone else. The graphic should have a title, label, or legend, and a caption or figure number. The graphic should be explained or referred to in the presentation.
 * Specifications for the Graphic **

Along with submitting an electronic copy (if possible) of your research (**Annotated bibliography** and **inquiry** ** project ** ), you will submit the PowerPoint/poster for your **Desktop Teaching**session.

V. **The Inquiry Project** **Proper** (150 points) detailed instructions: [|CCSS Multigenre Instructions.docx](Annotated Bibliography, Paper, PowerPoint = 200 points = 20% of final grade.)

Other articles and links for Multigenre: Helpful Research design .pdf from the Internet: [|ResearchDesign.doc] What Multigenre Dos for Students: [|What MG Does for Students.doc]