TreadwayReflection

When choosing my topic at the beginning of the semester, I had gone into my research already knowing the basics. I had learned some facts by simply being around my mom, and some of the classes I had taken the semester before. I hoped, however, that I would be able to build on what I already knew, and that is exactly what I did. I learned about the prevalence of autism today—getting as close to one in every 160 children! Not only that, but I learned what it is like to have a child with Autism, between the false connotations placed on the disorder and the many stresses that parents face. I was surprised to find out that an organization that I once supported, Autism Speaks, isn’t as good a cause as I had originally thought.

Through this project, I learned that there are more ways to writing than sitting at a computer and typing a research paper. In creating a multigenre project, I was able present my research in ways that I enjoyed, such as a brochure, a poster, and a magazine article. Despite the many positive aspects of the project, there were a few I didn’t like. I’m not a “draft” kind of person, so creating drafts, editing them, documenting what I revised, and coming up with a final composition seemed like too long of a process to me. In addition, I had began this project trying to keep on top of things, but as the due date came closer and closer, I realized how much I had put everything off. This project definitely taught me to alter my time management skills!

If I were a teacher, I would love to use a project such as this with my students. Not only do I believe that a project like this teaches the researcher more about the topic, but it also allows for the researcher’s audience to learn better. Research papers don’t always show creativity by the author, but with a multigenre project as I have just completed, a creative mind is definitely a must! All in all, I enjoyed this project, and think it was a great way to learn more about a topic I truly connect with!