Freshman Inquiry e-Portfolio Thomas Tran | 2013-2014
"Students will learn various modes of inquiry through interdisciplinary curricula — problem-posing, investigating, conceptualizing — in order to become active, self-motivated, and empowered learners."
In any investigation, critical thinking and heavy inquiry is important. Asking questions, answering those questions, questioning those answers, and repeating ad nauseam are all parts of the inquiry process.
Being able to question everything is critical in a liberal education as described in William Cronon's essay, "Only Connect...". This brings in a naturally inquisitive mind and a variety of resources. In the sciences, these skills are important - to be able to interpret data and pose hypotheses to pose more answers.
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Inquiry & Critical Thinking
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Portland's Artisan Economy. For this assignment, we were tasked with investigating Portland's "artisan economy", an economic model based off of small independent business owners producing and selling their own goods. Initially, my perception of Portland clothing ranges from the stereotypical organic flannel to suburban brand-name streetwear. I was completely thrown off guard by Portland's independent fashion houses and wanted to investigate further. To do so, I analyzed figures from economic journals, did interviews with local artisans, and read books.
Raw Data. Here, we were tasked with keeping track of our activities of daily living. Using this data, I was able to objectively analyze my habits to formulate an energy audit and to determine the kind of impact I have as an individual on our environment.
