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!

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Proceed to: Acknowledgements

Many individuals have enabled me to complete this unique research project.

First of all, gratitude must be expressed to Mrs. McComas, my CD. 315 instructor, for proposing the great challenge of this research project. Throughout this adventure, I have learned an incredible amount of valuable information related to researching, accessing, and analyzing information online, as well as, how to further develop my organization and time-management skills. She has helped to direct (and re-direct) my thinking countless times during this project and I appreciate her guidance and encouragement.

My group members, Heather, Cheryl, and Rikki, were also essential in the completion of this project. Their encouraging comments, insightful suggestions, and creative minds were constant sources of motivation and reassurance throughout the semester. I am very thankful for all of their help.

I would also like to thank my roommates, Emily and Brooke, for their patience and understanding while I tied up the phone line and computer for countless hours this semester in order to work on this project. These girls put up with me “behind the scenes” of this vast undertaking, and that is truly an accomplishment in itself.

Last, but not least, I must express my appreciation to my mother, Sue Ann, for her constant inspiration and support throughout this project. She allowed me to vent my frustrations and anxieties to her regarding my work and also gave me many wonderful ideas for this project.

Return to: Preface

Proceed to: About the Author

My name is Erin Nichols and I am a 21 year old student, majoring in Communication Disorders at Marshall University in Huntington, WV. This is my fourth year at Marshall and I’ve had many wonderful and unforgettable learning experiences here over the years. I am currently unsure of where I will pursue my graduate studies following graduation next May. After receiving my masters degree in Speech Language Pathology, I am interested in working in a rehabilitation center or with early intervention.

Going to school is a full-time job for me, therefore, I choose to work only during the summer months. Over the years I have had a variety of unique jobs, including working for two summers as an Americorps Energy Express mentor in Calhoun County, WV, and waitressing for two summers at various restaurants in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Other personal interests of mine include reading, writing, snow skiing, shopping, and spending time with my friends, family, and boyfriend.

The various pieces of writing found in this weblog were created as part of a Multi-Genre Research project for my CD. 315 course, in which I am currently enrolled. More information about the MRP can be found by accessing the preface section of this project.

Return to: Acknowledgements

Proceed to genre one: Webliography