Project Work as an Introduction to Research Writing
Abstract
Traditional approaches that prepare students for research writing oft en focus on the mastery of skills such as paraphrasing, citing sources, and creating outlines. While these skills are important, they are oft en practiced at the expense of involving students in a meaningful examination of content. Project work is off ered as an alternative approach that is uniquely suited to the diff erent needs of English as a second language (ESL) students. It allows for a cross-curricular approach in which students can demonstrate what they have learned through art, drama, and music without being encumbered by their still-developing reading and writing skills. A 10-week project on plant life, conducted with 12 ESL students at Northeast Middle School in Kansas City, Missouri, is given as an example of how project work can prepare ESL students with the skills needed to begin research writing.