Sunday, January 22, 2012

Wondering

As I compile my list of questions about creeds, I am feeling as though I don't know enough about the subject to develop a multitude of good questions.  I know that the best questions for inquiry should be open-ended and require answers that are longer than a word or a sentence.  Here's what I have so far:
  1. What is the best definition of creed?
  2. Who uses creeds?
  3. What are some of the earliest creeds on record?
  4. What are the most common themes in creeds?
  5. What is the difference between a creed, an oath, a pledge, and a mission statement?  Are the terms interchangeable?
  6. What elements should I include in my personal creed?
I am glad that this process is recursive.  That means that I don't have to stop asking questions at the wondering stage.  As I move into webbing and collecting information, I can continue to add questions to my list.  In fact, I think that if my investigating does not lead to the development of more questions, I am probably doing something wrong. Daniel Callison's model of information inquiry pairs questioning and exploration and emphasizes the interaction between them.  I'm a fan of alliteration, and I like the way he says in The Blue Book that questioning is "framing worthwhile wonderings."  Hopefully more worthwhile wonderings will emerge as I read and consider my sources of information.

It is now time for me to begin examining sources.  I did a preliminary Google Scholar search of creeds, and I see several articles listed that appear compelling and useful. Hopefully I can begin to dive into those tomorrow.  I also conducted a search using my public library's OPAC and found one book that I plan to pick up tomorrow.  I will post an update on my webbing efforts soon.

One more thing for tonight, though.  I should probably admit that I'm beginning to question my choice of topic.  At first I thought I had chosen a great idea to explore and develop.  Now I'm wondering if it is just too broad.  I know that limiting my focus is part of the inquiry process, but I want to learn about creeds in all of their forms- religious, professional, etc.  However, that may be too much information to process and synthesize into one product.  My preliminary searching is revealing that information on Christian creeds is the most abundant.  I may decide to limit my topic in that direction.  I had envisioned creating a personal creed that encompasses all aspects of my life.  That may still be possible.  It's probably too early to tell.  I'm sure these feelings are worth remembering, because they will be beneficial when I am guiding my students through the inquiry process.  I will be more sympathetic to students who feel discouraged about their topic or decide they want to change topics a few days into the information search.

3 comments:

  1. When I started examining my interests and all the possible topics, I started second guessing my "blind choice" of a topic. One problem I think that I and many others run into is letting the product be my guide. When I write, I begin with the end in mind. But that end changes as I write, and I think it's the same with the research process. Let the process excite you, not necessarily the product. Good luck! =)

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  2. Changing direction is all part of the learning process. To be a life-long learner, one has to be willing to change for one's own well-being and of the society. Many people have had to make huge changes when faced with unemployment due to downsizing in the present economy. Deciding what skill to learn takes research into finding a skill that will endure and not become obsolete in a few years. There is the fear, the excitement and then the decision, once the decision is reached, it may change too. It's all part of being a life-long learner. I think you have chosen a unique project that can force you to better understand yourself. Established a personal creed requires digging deeply into your values, goals and ideals. I think you can grow immensely through this project. I am anxious to see what you learn.

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  3. I am truly interested in your project. I think it is fascinating. Of course, I understand your doubts and second guessing because I have mine as well in this project which I will be talking about in my next entry but it does sound like you are on the right track from all of your searching.. blessings, lisa

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