Inquiry Cycle

“How does the inquiry cycle of your own learning manifest itself in your work setting?

My current work as a long-standing (9 years at current site) administrator is continuously at some point within the inquiry cycle:

TUNING IN: I am solicited for information about various topics on a daily basis where I must either retrieve knowledge from my institutional memory, from another source, or make it up on the spot. Based on the quesitoner and my own longing to know, I am constantly considering was that enough or do I need to know more.

FINDING OUT: Whether due to a love of learning or an attempt to validate my position, this is my strength. Being connected and personable helps in this domain. If I don't have the answer, I will work until I find it from another person or legitimate resource.

SORTING OUT: Another strength. I am good at sorting out what is essential versus what is fluff.  Furthermore, I continuously cross reference to other areas of my work with various entities.  Although not always wholly satisfied with the depth of my inquiry, I am bound by time and the demands of others.

GOING FURTHER: Establishing coherence my work is a challenge given the number of responsibilities had. Never do I feel finished as I fear complacency.

MAKING CONCLUSIONS: Stick to the knitting. I am constantly looking to identify the main message to our various work and how that message is communicated and received.

TAKING ACTION: Whether a byproduct of my upbringing or the fact that I have many armchair principals, I am constantly reflecting on my performance.

I recognize that this blog lacks synthesis and coherence, this is me reflecting now, but that's ok.  Ultimately, I am always in varying states of inquiry, but all are brief and rarely do I/we go through all stages as we are bound by time and limited staff. Excuses aside, we get to the action taking stage one way or another.