Article 2: “The multigenre paper: Increasing interest, motivation, and functionality in research” by Margaret R. “Cookie” Moulton
The author of this article suggests a multigenre paper as creative alternative to the typical research paper. She explains how she and her students created a multigenre paper project. She also explains the components needed and the procedures her students used to complete the project. She includes her reflections and the students’ reflections on the project as a whole. Moulton concludes, “It is a refreshing alternative that incorporates practical skills and creative thinking, allowing students not only to enjoy the process of research but also to take ownership of the products they create.”
Questions:
- Depending on the genres chosen, the information included may not be very detailed. How will the students know how much detail to put into the endnotes? And how is the paper assessed? Is it assessed on endnotes as well as the information included in the different genres?
- Wouldn’t the students find they have to do the same amount of work researching and also put in more work designing the “creative” multigenre aspect?
- Some students, when given a choice, may think this option is too difficult while still others may think it is an easy way out. How do you as a teacher make sure the students know what they are getting into without discouraging them from trying the new approach?
