One of the main requirements for students enrolled in the computer networking course, CD. 315, is to develop a Multi-Genre Research Project (MRP) throughout the semester. A MRP is similar to a research paper in that it addresses an essential question. However, this project is unique because it presents a variety of different perspectives on a given topic, which are referred to as, “genres.” This project contains six main genres that are written in at least three different voices selected by the writer. In addition, a unifying genre is included in order to incorporate all of the various genres and research that have been completed. It is important to note that the characters presented in my project are merely works of fiction, although, all of the information presented has been derived from my personal research and thoughts on this topic.

I chose to research the topic, “How can understanding the needs of a client learning English as a second language assist the therapist in developing an effective treatment plan?” The inspiration for researching this topic came, primarily, from my love of different languages and my interest in the difficulties faced by individuals learning foreign languages. In fact, if I were not currently studying Communication Disorders, I believe that I would be majoring in the study of a foreign language. Another source of inspiration for researching this topic came from my conversations with a group of Japanese students attending Glenville State College. Prior to coming to school this fall, I spoke with these students and learned of the difficulty many were having with passing the English proficiency exam required for them to enroll in the courses they needed. The hardships that these individuals faced made me want to learn more about the English as a second language (ESL) learning process. This topic had not been addressed in detail in any of my previous communication disorders classes, but I knew that Speech-Language Pathologists could provide therapy services to individuals learning ESL. Therefore, I felt that researching this topic would provide me with a great deal of information on a topic that was extremely interesting, yet relatively unfamiliar, to me.

After selecting a topic, I then had to decide what type of genres would most adequately help to address this topic. The genres I selected were a webliography, poem, Power Point presentation, interview, journal entries, email exchange, and letter. Perhaps, the genre that I spent the most time selecting was the letter to the employer. This letter serves as my unifying genre, therefore, I had to devise a way to logically incorporate all of the previous genres into this one. This letter was written in the voice of the clinician, and addresses a variety of processes used during the ongoing needs assessment of one particular ESL client. Throughout the various genres, I strived to maintain a balance between showcasing the information derived from my research, along with the thoughts, feelings, and concerns that I imagined my fictitious characters to possess.

I have spent an incredible amount of time researching and writing the genres for this project. Not only have I learned more about this particular research topic, but I have also learned a great deal about myself as a person in regards to self-discipline and time-management. I hope that my MRP proves to be an interesting piece of work for anyone desiring greater knowledge about needs assessment in ESL clients and how this process can aid speech-language pathologists in developing an effective treatment plan. Enjoy!

Back to: Table of Contents

Proceed to: Acknowledgements