My current inquiry question is “What studying method is most efficient for active recall and saving information into my long-term memory?” Previously, my inquiry question was focused around writing and presenting a speech. However, I didn’t qualify for the speech contest I applied to, so I decided to change my focus to Japan Bowl, which requires a great amount of memorization and active recall skills. This was related to my previous inquiry project, as I had to memorize a speech in a different language to be able to submit it.

My time management skills have been tested over the past few months as I’ve been preparing for the musical while balancing my academics. I usually use CENT time to work on my inquiry, but also have spent time at home to practice, especially due to the deadline for the speech.

Now, I have about three to four weeks to practice and study for Japan Bowl, so along the way I’ll be learning about how I can best memorize everything I need to know for the competition.

I’ve found that talking to my mentor teacher, as well as looking at articles online, have greatly helped with the development of my inquiry and my learning.

At the moment, my biggest challenge regarding my inquiry is the time restraint, as I only have about four weeks until the competition where my efforts will (hopefully) come to fruition. Even after the competition, I want to continue learning about how I learn best and trying out different studying techniques to help facts transfer into my long-term memory instead of being forgotten when I don’t need them anymore.

Through this inquiry process, I’ve had to rely on my communication skills heavily as I talked with my mentor teacher for my project. She greatly helped when it came to writing my speech, as well as giving me feedback, translating it and developing a new inquiry when I didn’t qualify for the competition.

The results of how well my inquiry worked will be shown during Japan Bowl, as that is when it is crucial for me to be able to remember everything I’ve learned. I’ll be putting in many hours to prepare for the contest.

I don’t believe that I’ll continue my inquiry or incorporate it into my Capstone as it is a very general inquiry that can apply to all of my classes.