Personal Connection

This project has been quite an experience!  I entered the world of blogging, and that's not something I thought I'd ever do.  I have to admit that I've enjoyed it.  Now on to the real focus of describing my approach to inquiry before starting the project.  Prior to this project, my approach to inquiry was very linear and lacked intrinsic motivation.  Most inquiry "projects" were expectations for graduate work.  Some inquiry projects were personal, but they were initiated due to an immediate need (how to thaw frozen pipes, options for tree/ stump removal, etc.).  I would narrow in on my inquiry focus pretty quickly and jump right into researching.  I'm realizing that in the past, I've researched topics.  I didn't spend time in the Wondering phase developing thoughtful questions to research.  Researching topics, instead of focused questions, made it feel like the information gathering always dragged on and on and on.  My concern has never been with how I will communicate my ideas with others.  Either my ideas weren't communicated, or a professor has expected a typed paper.  My approach to inquiry was also NOT reflective.  I did not concentrate on mental processes, nor did I explain my thinking and feelings along the way.  Feedback/ encouragement from peers has rarely been received, and that greatly impacts motivation.

Wow, SO MUCH HAS CHANGED!

Research is fun, and that's a big shift in thinking.  I don't think I've ever before been excited about doing extensive research.  I think the motivation started to take shape during the Watching phase when I was given the freedom to choose a topic from a world of possibilities.  It automatically became personal and interesting.  I also found myself being much more reflective of my mental processes and feelings during the scope of this project.  This is key.  Once I started to feel overwhelmed and recognized that, I tried to do something to make adjustments.  Since my approach to inquiry in the past has not been nearly as reflective, I wasn't able to relate it to the work I do with students.  Through each phase of the 8Ws model, I was conscious about how my experiences might impact the work I do with students.  My "new" personal approach to inquiry has given me a better understanding of what the process is like for kids, how I might empathize with them, and how I might predict the supports they'll need along the way.  I don't think I've ever before considered my audience and the impact my work could have on others.  In the past, my work hasn't been shared with others or it's simply been submitted for academic purposes.  Another big change I noticed during this project was my ability to let go of that feeling that the inquiry needed to be linear and completed in steps.  I found myself flowing between phases and jumping around.  It felt more natural. 

My personal approach to inquiry is now a very positive one!