“What was the process like in coming up with your HMW question? Where did you land? Share your first HMW question attempt.”
The process of coming up with my HMW question has been similar to the process I go through when starting a watercolour painting. The idea starts as swirling images/thoughts in my mind about an idea or construct. It takes a few weeks before ideas start to synthesize and take shape (often on a drive in the car). Once I start putting ideas to paper and sketching them out, things start to materialize. When the ideas are put to paper, other thoughts start to emerge and converge. This is where I step back and look–really look. I start to consider what is not on the paper, and what might be left out or missing. Next comes adding colour and details–much like writing HMW questions. These initial strokes (on paper or on the keyboard) transform into what will eventually become the question. However, just when you think you are moving, things can get muddy. Second guessing creeps in. Are all the aspects I want to convey there? Do I need to add more? Do I need to take away something? Most importantly, can what I have on the page change into something else that could be even more meaningful? This is where I step back again, and move away from the painting (in this case the research questions). I eventually get back to the piece, and start to see things in a new light.
Specifically relating to my HMW, I know from past experiences, a research question can change and needs to be malleable. The more you dig deeper into the topic, the more you might tweak the question to get closer to what it is you want to know. Likewise, I know the research question can change the more you reach out and talk to people.
Right now I think I am okay with my HMW. It is something that is meaningful, connecting to our school’s vision and strategic plan, it can be measurable, and if I can really make it happen, benefit both students and staff. However, talk to me next week…….. 🙂
Here is the re-mix of my initial HMW:
“How and to what extent, can leading from an Indigenous leadership mindset impact staff and student wellness?”
