For Eastern Michigan University freshmen, writing is not limited to composition or dry reports. It is part of filmmaking, building university models, cutting paper figures, playing interactive games and even break-dancing.
The Seventh Annual Celebration of Student Writing proved that 12-foot-long tables are way too small for students' imaginations.
Hundred of displays, set up in McKenny Union's Ballroom April 6, included scrapbooks or compilations of student work, video productions, models of study sites or other locations, class Webzines or magazines, diaries of students' work, guidelines for freshmen to college life, multimedia displays, interactive games and a dance show.
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UNIQUE ENCOUNTER: Eastern Michigan
University student Brian Bett, a junior
from Canton, stands next to an effigy of
Mike Cahill, a preacher/evangelist Bett
once met. A tape in the effigy plays a
narrated version of Bett's story about his
encounter with Cahill. Bett's project was
part of the Celebration of Student Writing,
in which English Composition 121
students present a project, using a variety
of mediums. |
Organized by Linda Adler-Kassner and Heidi Estrem, assistant professors of English language and literature, the Celebration of Student Writing is the culminating event for students in many sections of English 121.
"We wanted to have a way to showcase the incredible work done by EMU students in English 121," Adler-Kassner said.
Students begin by developing research questions to subjects that are of interest to them — anything from EMU parking problems to technological advances in music. From their semester-long inquiries, students develop projects for the Celebration of Student Writing. And the more creative, the better.
"Every Celebration of Student Writing is different, because the projects that students develop are always different,' said Adler-Kassner. "What remains consistent is the high quality of student work and the delight that participants and visitors alike take in both the quality of student work, and the abilities and talents of EMU students."
"I love this because it got us out of the classroom into the real world to observe," said Ryan Calloway, 19, taking a small break from calling students to play a matching game.
Throughout the semester, his team observed people's behavior and attire in different communities and in places such as Denny's, coffee shops or eateries. The results of their research came out in a game.
"I learned a lot about people and culture," Calloway said.
Students learned not only through doing their own research, but sharing ideas with other during the celebration.
"It's a new experience," said Ashley Williams, 19, about the demonstration of students' work. "It gives me an idea how other people think. It opens my mind."
"It's interesting and it's fun to see all the different work and how much effort everybody put in it," said Richard Moore, 18, whose team made paper figures to illustrate their research.
Break-dancers Stockton Wiggins, 22, and Julius Jenkins, 23, took over the ballroom and literally got everybody's attention. They did their research on the popularity of break-dancing in the mainstream culture.
"I am excited," said Wiggins. "I didn't expect it to be crowded like this."
Since the First-Year Writing Committee came up with the idea of the Celebration of Student Writing in 1998, the number of students presenting projects has increased each year. The 2004 event featured projects representing research conducted by more than 1,000 students in 40 sections of English 121. This year's event showcased the work of approximately 1,100 students in 43 class sections, which represents about 95 percent of the English 121 sections.
The English department, the office of the provost, a strategic planning grant and Bedford-St. Martin's Publishers support the Celebration of Student Writing.
"It's important for all of us — in English, and in the University — to recognize that our students bring genuine interests to their work at EMU," Adler-Kassner said. "Part of our jobs as EMU faculty is to build on those talents and interests, and help students understand how they 'fit' in the academic environment."
