Goal Interpretation: Inquiry & Critical Thinking!

In my view, inquiry and critical thinking means investigating known-unknowns

and formulating educated opinions. According to PSU UNST, it is, various modes of
inquiry through interdisciplinary curriculaproblem-posing, investigating,
conceptualizingin order to become active, self-motivated, and empowered learners.!
The UNST definition does an excellent job of defining inquiry. I especially like the term
problem-posing. Its important to ask the right questions. However, I feel that the
critical thinking section was a bit curt. I would humbly add my phrase and formulating
educated opinions to the definition. I feel it emphasizes critical thinking - which is where
information gained from inquiry is distilled into knowledge. In my class, we were taught
that there are often a variety of meanings to be gleaned from information. This is
important because it opens our mind during analysis and makes us more receptive to
other points of view. !
!

Throughout this year, I have begun to ask deeper and more focused questions. I

look into the intricacies subjects in order to understand them as wholly as I can. In my
classes, this has given me a greater understanding as to why we are learning about a
given subject; and how it is to shape our character. This sense of purpose causes me to
become much more invested in the course materiel. Inquiry & Critical Thinking not only
transfers over seamlessly to the rest of life, it is perhaps the single most needed skill for
true success. In the words of Jim Rohn, Formal education will make you a living; selfeducation will make you a fortune. !