Date Approved
6-28-2006
Embargo Period
3-3-2020
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.A. Writing
Department
Writing Arts
College
Ric Edelman College of Communication & Creative Arts
Advisor
Penrod, Diane
Committee Member 1
Martin, Deb
Subject(s)
Communication in science; Literary form
Disciplines
Technical and Professional Writing
Abstract
The purpose of this thesis is to explore the use of genre writing as an alternative to commonly used expository writing in the seventh grade life science classroom. My research includes student surveys and educator interviews. I surveyed 44 seventh grade science students using a Likert scale. The participating students include 1 eleven-year-old boy, 10 twelve-year-old boys, 10 thirteen-year-old boys, 1 fourteen-year-old boy, 11 twelve-year-old girls, and 11 thirteen-year-old girls. I interviewed 3 middle school science teachers who teach at public schools in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. I interviewed 4 composition professors and 2 college biology professors from Rowan University, located in Glassboro, New Jersey. In this thesis, I examine students' and teachers' ideas, beliefs, attitudes, opinions, and theories about writing and writing in the sciences. My findings reinforce the connection between writing and the sciences and the link between middle school experiences and future educational experiences. The conclusion of this thesis are that genre writing can help lead to more positive student attitudes toward writing in the sciences and writing in general.
Recommended Citation
Haigh, Christen, "Genre exploration: alternatives to expository writing in seventh grade life science" (2006). Theses and Dissertations. 61.
https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/61
