Individual Reading Project Ideas: Discover the Novel's Relevance to You (3 of 3)

We have reached the end of the Individual Reading Project series!  The final project is called Discover the Novel's Relevance to You.  The only form of technology needed to complete the project is a computer with Microsoft Word software. As I have previously done, I will entail the directions for the project and discuss advantages and disadvantages.  To view all posts about individual reading projects, click here.

Directions

For this individual reading project, students would be required to compose a 3-4 page paper addressing the ways in which their novel was relevant to them.  Students would have to expand their impressions beyond "I liked this book because..." and write about what they got out of their novel.  Teachers could have their students address questions such as: Did the plot inspire you to become a better person?  Did the book make you realize something you want to do in your life? Or perhaps something you don’t want to do? 

Advantages

The two main advantages of the Discover the Novel's Relevance to You project are that it is a personalized learning opportunity for students, and the format makes it easy for teachers to gauge if students completed their assigned reading.

1. Student personalized learning opportunity

This project allots for personalized learning by allowing students to express their opinions and ideas.

2. Easy format for gauging assignment completion

-          This project’s content is the easiest for teachers to gauge whether or not students complete their assigned reading.  Since this project is essay based, it has the most similarities to regular English assignments and is great for students who love writing.

     Disadvantage

The only disadvantage I see with this project is that it does not give students a chance to express their knowledge in a more creative format.  

1. Project isn't necessarily creative

Even though this project allots for personalized student learning, the project is less ideal for students who dislike writing and would enjoy expressing their knowledge in other, more creative ways.