T.O.C. by NCDPI & NCATE Standards
Vocabulary, Fluency, and Comprehension Lessons
Artifact 4: Multi-Genre Project
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Context: This project was created as partial fulfillment for RE 5130, Teaching the Language Arts, with Dr. Beth Frye. Dr. Frye introduced this project as an alternative to the research paper. Not only do students conduct research, but they incorporate their knowledge of genres of literature into the writing process. This project required me to conduct research on a topic of my choice and to use multiple genres to convey the information. I was only required to create three genres; however, because I was so interested and vested in my chosen topic, I created many more genres. In fact, all of the students in my class went above and beyond the requirements of the assignment. I researched Vance County, the county in which I spent the first ten years of my life, and where much of my family still resides.
A. Instructional Expertise
The candidate demonstrates instructional expertise by applying the theoretical, philosophical, and research bases for educational practice in P-12 settings to improve student learning.
Rationale: I "seek, implement, and evaluate the best pedagogical practices for the subjects taught within the context of a specific school setting "as this artifact demonstrates. In my six years of teaching English to high school students, both they and I have come to dread the research paper. But teaching the process of research is necessary and important. However, until my discovery of the multi-genre concept, I found it very difficult to impress upon my students the fact that research is not just "cut and paste." This artifact shows that I stay abreast of the best pedagogical practices in the area of writing.
B. Knowledge of Learners
The candidate incorporates knowledge of the nature of the learner, learning processes, variations in learning abilities and learning styles, and strategies for evaluating learning into the planning, delivery, and evaluation of instruction.
Rationale: I " reflect on and modify instruction that fosters student learning" as this multi-genre project shows. Through reflection, I have come to the realization that not only is traditional modes of research writing often boring to students, but in today's high tech world, it is also becoming outdated. Now that I have been introduced to this process, I plan to modify my instruction in the coming years to include a multi-genre project as part of my students' exploration of the research process. I also understand that my students need models and examples to guide them in their work, which is one reason I worked so hard on the creation of my project, "A Passport to Vance County."
C. Research
The candidate uses research to examine and improve instructional effectiveness and student achievement.
Rationale: Through my reading of Margaret R. "Cookie" Moulton's article, "The Multigenre Paper: Increasing Interest, Motivation, and Functionality in Research," I became convinced or the merits of doing this type of research. Thus, this artifact shows that I "critically read and apply historical and contemporary educational literature, including theoretical, philosophical, and research materials."
D. Content Knowledge
The candidate demonstrates advanced depth and breadth of knowledge and skills in the academic discipline and in education.
Rationale: I " understand current knowledge and trends in education." The multi-genre project represents the newest knowledge and trend in the field of writing education. Students are expected to be more and more nimble when it comes to reading and synthesizing information as our society progresses further into this new millennium. This project requires students to truly internalize research findings as they create "primary documents" to represent their studies.
E. Professional Development and
Leadership
The candidate engages in continued professional development and provides leadership at the classroom, school, and community levels, and within the profession.
Rationale: I participate in professional communities as this artifact shows. In this case, the professional community is comprised of my peers in the Reading Masters program. This artifact shows my willingness to interact with others in the educational community in an effort to become the best teacher I can be.