Multi Genre Research

How Bad Can It Actually Be?

And remember yesterday, when I

said we were going to start something new? I was talking

about the

RESEARCH PROJECT!

Isn’t that exciting!

How Bad Can It Actually Be?

• What is your definition of “research?”

• Why do we do it?

• What’s the purpose?

• Who even reads this stuff, anyway?

Let’s Break it Down• Research Topic

• What is interesting to you? • How will this research help

you better understand your topic?

• Has this topic been researched before?

• Collecting Information• What’s the best method of

collecting info? • What’s a credible source?• What do you do with this

information now that you have it?

What is MG Research?

The term "Multigenre Research Paper" was coined by Tom Romano

(1995). It refers to a "non-traditional" research paper where students research a topic in depth

and report their findings in a "genre-blended" paper. To do this, they select a research topic that interests them, study it in detail,

and try to see it from multiple perspectives. The outcome, that is the MG research paper, is a blend

of multiple genres and perspectives. 1

http://www.angelfire.com/ok2/metu/multigenre.html

How is MG Research different?

• Student is able to choose their own topic: something they find compelling and interesting

• Display of information is only limited by imagination! • Poetry

• “Wanted” poster

• Diary

• CD cover

• Quiz

• Recipe

• Newspaper article

• Picture

Who needs a thesis, anyway?

• Unlike the traditional Research-method, with MG research, the student does not need to begin with a working thesis statement.

• Difference: the student begins with an INTEREST and discovers a focus along the way.

• Traditional method: the student begins with a FOCUS and looks for evidence to support it.

Subjective vs. Objective

• Traditional Method: the writer’s relationship with the material needs to stay objective in order to reflect on the material without bias.

• Multigenre Research Approach: the writer attempts to enter the world of their topic. Each piece of their project can reflect strong biases, even though the product presents a kind of objectivity overall. Help writer to see the subject from all different points of view.

Compare/Contrast Traditional Research Paper Multigenre Research Paper •Single, extended prose piece•Begins with a thesis •Cohesion exposed from the start •Writer remains dispassionate about the subject•Appreciates topic from a single perspective •Follows conventions of formal prose writing •Usually consists of only one text •Usually done as a solitary individual assignment •Handed in to teacher •Sometimes viewed as drudgery by students

A Teacher’s Guide to the Multigenre Research Project: Everything You Need to Get Started. Melinda Putz. Pg 3

•Cohesive series of pieces in variety of genres •Begins with an interest•Cohesion developed along the way•Helps researcher recover lost voices•Writer personally engaged; opinions encouraged •Takes many angels on topic •Broadens the range of acceptable writing styles •Artwork, graphics, design and packaging accompany text •Involves much small group work, peer response, and sharing •Performed in readers’ theatre celebration •Often becomes students’ favorite and proudest achievement

Why is MG Research so important?

• Multiple Intelligences

• Authentic Work

• Student Engagement

• Student Enjoyment

Works CitedWorks Consulted

• http://www.sheboyganfalls.k12.wi.us/cyberenglish9/multi_genre/multigenre.htm

• http://www.angelfire.com/ok2/metu/multigenre.html

• http://www.users.muohio.edu/romanots/ (Great resource for Assignment Sheet and Grading Rubric)

• http://www.amazon.com/Teachers-Guide-Multigenre-Research-Project/dp/0325007853/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1238945907&sr=8-1

• Putz, Melinda. A Teacher’s Guide to the Multigenre Research Project: Everything You Need to Get Started.

• http://www.learner.org/workshops/middlewriting/images/teachers/romano/Tom-Romano.jpg