I was asked to complete a Multigenre Research Project(MRP)for my CD 315 class. What is a Multigenre Research Project you ask? So did I. I soon found out that an MRP is a different way to present information that can provide an answer to a research question. I searched for valuable and reliable information in the library, on the internet, and by joining a mailing list comprised cleft affected families. I was asked to use different genres that would examine my topic from different points of view in a way that allowed more creativity than the common research paper could. The pursuit of a great MRP proved to be a very trying but rewarding experience. I found that once I stepped out of the "box" I was used to being in the creative juices began to flow. Not to say that I didn't find myself back in "it" again from time to time!
It was mandatory that our MRP contain seven different genres, three which were chosen for us already were the webliography, a poem, and a powerpoint presentation. We also had to have at least three different voices collectively between the seven genres.
Deciding on a topic for my MRP was probably the most simple part of the process. Cleft palate has always been a topic that I wanted to learn more about since beginning the CD program at Marshall. I am intrigued by the anatomy of speech. Since problems with speech in cleft affected individuals is purely an anatomical problem I was captivated. I had also caught wind that cleft palate would not be focused on very much in my CD classes. So, I figured this would be the perfect opportunity for me to find out more about Cleft Palate.
Once I began researching Cleft Palate I found that I became wrapped up in the emotional aspect of what parents go through when cleft becomes part of their family. The optional four genres I chose were an email exchange, journal entry, pamphlet, and a newsletter. I chose these genres because I felt like I could bring a more "real" feel to my project. I focused on what it would be like if parents found out their child would have a cleft lip/palate before it had even been born. I began this project with every intention of being totally involved in the anatomical structures but I soon found that it was the heart of these families that was the most important!

I created a ficticious family-"The Websters" to carry out my MRP. Please remember that the genres you will read are merely part of an assignment for my CD 315 class. Also, although I researched all the information included in them, they were put together by me and should only be used to add to information you have already accumulated about cleft palate.