What is a Multigenre Inquiry Project? A multigenre inquiry project examines a meaningful central question that may help make sense of the world around us in the context of a particular text, then expands its inquiry and broadens its exploration to a variety of texts and real-world contexts. Through the creation of multiple products in distinct genres that draw on different forms of intelligence, students are able to further explore the central question and apply their newfound understandings in creative and socially relevant ways. This strategy allows students to pursue their own interests and build upon strengths while also experimenting with new ways of thinking and making connections between various sources and perspectives.
Genres Genre 1—an analytical essaythat synthesizes psychological theory alongside fictional accounts of how identity development may be shaped by trauma, as well as historical and current events related to the topic Genre 2—a poem from the perspective of swim team member Daniel Hole that frames his developing understanding of teammate Andy Mott’s identity in emotional terms Genre 3—a series of email interactions between various students from Whale Talk and their English teacher that take place during a fictitious school year that might follow the end of the novel. Genre 4—a flyer that visually expresses researchon the number of adolescents who experience specific forms of trauma through infographics Genre 5—a creative writing piece from the perspective of character Mike Barbour at the beginning of Whale Talk, showing the "other side" of his first interaction with swim team member Chris Coughlin Genre 6—a video PSA that strategically uses information on the effects of trauma to combat bullying Genre 7—a lesson plan pedagogically centered around the definition and operation of stereotypes relative to identity