Multigenre Research Project

Title: Multigenre Research Project

Author: Rene Ribant-Amthor

Grade Level: 9-10

Subject/Content: English/Multigenre Research Project

Summary of Lesson: Students research someone who has influenced the development of African American literature and create a multigenre research project.

Focus Question: Who do you think has had a great influence on African American literature and how?

Databases(s): Biography Resource Center: African Americans

Procedures :

Teacher Preparation Planning:

1. Instruct students to choose someone they feel has had an influence on the development of African American literature
2. Have students access the Biography Resource Center: African Americans database and search for their person
3. Have the students collect research materials on their person
4. Have the students complete a multigenre research project using their chosen person as the focal point. The following is an outline of the genres for each section of the paper:
• Genre 1- Photograph Poem
• Genre 2-Character Sketch, Personal Narrative, OR Newspaper Article
• Genre 3- Diary Entry OR Letter
• Genre 4- Cartoon, Advertisement, OR Song
5. Explain to the students that each section must rely on research from credible sources. The multigenre research project utilizes a works cited page

Steps/Activities by student(s):

1. Choose someone you feel has had an influence on the development of African American literature
2. Access the Biography Resource Center: African Americans database and search for your person
3. Collect research materials on your chosen person
4. Complete a multigenre research project using your chosen person as the focal point. The following is an outline of the genres for each section of the paper:
1. Genre 1- Photograph Poem
2. Genre 2-Character Sketch, Personal Narrative, OR Newspaper Article
3. Genre 3- Diary Entry OR Letter
4. Genre 4- Cartoon, Advertisement, OR Song

Each section must rely on research from credible sources. Include a works cited page.

Outcome:  Students will research someone who has had an influence on the development of African American literature. Their research will help them determine an award their author is worthy of receiving. They will use their research to create a multigenre research project about the person they chose.

Related Activities: Students work in groups to compile a class booklet of influences on African American literature.

Standard Date: Approved 1998

Content Standard(s):

• NL-ENG.K12.1: Reading for Perspective
• NL-ENG.K12.2: Understanding the Human Experience
• NL-ENG.K12.3: Evaluation Strategies
• NL-ENG.K12.5: Communication Strategies
• NL-ENG.K12.6: Applying Knowledge
• NL-ENG.K12.7: Evaluating Data
• NL-ENG.K-12.8: Developing Research Skills
• NL-ENGL.K-12.9: Multicultural Understanding
• NL-ENG.K-12.11: Participating in Society
• NL-ENG.K12.12: Applying Language Skills

Performance Indicators:

• At Level 1, the student is able to:
• Identify a person who has had an influence on African American literature
• At Level 2, the student is able to:
• Research their topic and find credible sources
• At Level 3, the student is able to:
• Communicate their findings by creating a multigenre research project

Computer Literacy and Usage Standards 9-12:

• The student will demonstrate proficiency in the care and use of computer based technology
• The student will develop skills using a variety of computer resources to increase productivity, support creativity, conduct and evaluate research and improve communications
• The student will use technology resources to improve problem solving and decision-making skills and apply these skills to real world situations

ISTE NETS for Students

• Basic operations and concepts
• Social, ethical, and human issues
• Technology productivity tools
• Technology communications tools
• Technology research tools
• Technology problem-solving and decision-making tools

Information Power; Information Literacy Standards:

• Standard 1: The student who is information literate accesses information efficiently and effectively
• Standard 2: The student who is information literate evaluates information critically and competently
• Standard 3: The student who is information literate uses information accurately and creatively
• Standard 4:  The student who is an independent learner is information literate and pursues information related to personal interests
• Standard 6: The student who is an independent learner is information literate and strives for excellence in information seeking and knowledge generation
• Standard 8:  The student who contributes positively to the learning community and to society is information literate and practices ethical behavior in regard to information and information technology