Chapter 16 : The Researcher’s Mind: From Questions to Clarity
Eli never meant to stay after graduation. But a photo, a scent, and a story hidden in the university archives would unlock a past he never knew was his.
INTRODUCTION
With heightened awareness, we now enter the Insight Miner—a space where the mind begins to question, analyze, and interlink. This is the shift from simply sensing to actively investigating.
We began this journey last week with Questioning—the pulse of all true discovery. Here, students don’t just learn to ask—they learn to ask with purpose, precision, and strategic intent. In an age where AI mimics thinking, the Insight Miner hones a distinctly human skill: the courage to probe beyond appearances, challenge assumptions, and pursue truth with sharp discernment.
Today, we layer in the next pillars: Research, followed by Experimentation and Connecting the Dots—practical tools that empower learners to test hypotheses, compare perspectives, and synthesize insights.
This is the moment when an internal compass begins to take shape—driven by curiosity, anchored in evidence.
And as always, we begin with a story.
STORY BY WYBIE | CHALLENGES BY WYBIE
A. THE PASSAGE
Wybie’s Story – "The Boy in the Photo"
It started with a film—one his mom watched about the final days of Southern Vietnam in 1975. That same week, Eli found himself drifting back to the university campus, even though he had no reason to be there. He had graduated. He had said his goodbyes. But something tugged at him—quietly, stubbornly.
It wasn’t nostalgia. It wasn’t people. It was... a feeling.
So he stayed. Wandering the library. Sitting for hours in the archives.
No deadlines. No purpose. Just him, the hum of the fluorescent lights, and the rustle of paper.
He told himself it was research for a memoir—an idea he hadn’t fully formed. But really, he was chasing something.
Something unnamed.
Something that called out from a gap in memory.
Then it appeared. A loose photograph, tucked inside a forgotten book. No label. Not even glued in. Just resting there, as if waiting.
Three figures stood before the crumbling shell of what looked like a temple. A woman held a baby in her arms. A man stood beside her—exhausted, haunted. And to the left, a boy. Maybe two or three years old. Still-faced. Watching the camera.
Eli froze.
It was impossible. But he knew.
It was him.
On the back: a date. 1975.
And a single line: “We’re finding our way home.”
That’s when everything unraveled.
He stopped sleeping.
Days blurred. He tore through every shelf, every file. Refugee records. War-era documents. Staff logs. Even restricted cabinets, unlocked when no one was looking.
He wasn’t a student anymore. But no one stopped him. Maybe they saw it too—something unshakable in his eyes.
Still, nothing. For weeks.
Then, just as he was about to give up, he opened a dusty box labeled only: Misc.
Inside: scraps. Old postcards. Crumpled recipes. Useless paper. And one leather-bound journal, the color of dried blood and rain-soaked wood.
It smelled like memory.
He opened it.
A nurse had written it—no name. Only pages marred by time and tears.
She spoke of hiding children in rice sacks. Of whispering lullabies under rotor blades.
Of broken bridges. Sunken boats.
Of holding silence like a weapon.
Then came the final entry.
She wrote of a baby boy she carried across the Mekong.
A child who never cried—who looked at her like he already knew the world wasn’t safe.
She sang to him anyway. Then handed him to a stranger in a truck.
Her last words: “I hope he finds this, one day.”
Eli didn’t cry.
He couldn’t.
He didn’t remember being that boy.
But in his bones—he knew.
That night, Eli stopped researching.
He started remembering.
JOIN US THIS WEEK ON MAY 3 @ THE EXPO and let’s discuss your academic notes on Researching from the INSIGHT MINER module of the DAILY DISCOVERY SERIES. ZOOM ID : 769 712 5558 (click ZOOM for the link or use the ZOOM ID)
PASS CODE : MEET
8:30 PM - 9:30 PM SINGAPORE TIME
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM VIETNAMESE TIME
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM INDIAN STANDARD TIME
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM OMAN TIME
The agenda this week
score board - Self reflection for Wybie and Mihf
challenges for the week
practical use of school knowledge.
New chapter 17 - a New module and Topic awaits : The INSIGHT MINER - Experimenting
B. THE CHALLENGE - Let’s Research
In Wybie’s challenge, there are three distinct challenges, each designed with its own trait focus and difficulty level. Though they differ in form, all of them share one core purpose: to train the mind in the art of research—how we search, filter, question, and connect information.
But why do we need to research?
Because research isn’t just about collecting facts—it’s about making sense of the world. It sharpens how we think, deepens how we understand, and strengthens how we make decisions. When we practice research, we’re not just becoming better students—we’re becoming better thinkers.
Each research trait—such as exploration, abnormality identification, and framework thinking—is directly linked to what students encounter in school. Whether it’s a history essay, a science report, or a group project, these traits help students move beyond memorizing content to questioning, analyzing, and creating meaning.
By exploring the concept of research through Wybie’s challenges, we also begin exploring ourselves. We learn what questions matter to us, how we process complexity, and where our curiosity leads. The more we practice these traits, the more we build a mindset that’s not only academically strong—but also adaptable, independent, and resilient in life beyond school.
Here are the traits with their corresponding explanations based on the given research-related concepts:
Exploration→ The ability to seek out diverse, unconventional, and wide-ranging sources of information to enrich understanding.
Clear Intention→ Defining a focused purpose behind every research activity to ensure relevance and direction.
Data Gathering→ Skill in collecting accurate, relevant, and reliable information from credible sources.
Dynamic Framework→ Designing adaptable and flexible structures that support evolving lines of inquiry and changing data.
Clear Objective→ The capacity to articulate specific outcomes or questions the research aims to answer.
Abnormality Identification→ Recognizing irregularities or unexpected patterns that may reveal deeper insights or hidden truths.
Framework Thinking→ Using logical, organized systems to plan, structure, and interpret research activities.
Measurable Goals→ Setting clear, trackable criteria to monitor research progress and assess success.
Ask What Ifs→ Engaging in hypothetical thinking to consider alternative possibilities, challenge assumptions, and innovate.
If you notice any inconsistencies in these traits, please let us know so we can review and improve them. When reaching out, kindly reference the specific chapter for clarity.
C. Session Overview: Exploring the Theme of “Researching”
The Learning Space
Date: 3 May 2025
Facilitator: Wybie
INDEX
1. RACI performance
2. Sessions Overview
3. Evaluation
4. Wrapping Up
1. Program performance
Program Quality needs to be ensured at all times. There are levels of inconsistency that needs to be addressed at all times.
Refer the ‘To Do’ actions for all members towards the end of the session.
2. Sessions Overview
Introduction
Minh Anh was the first to join in. She was talking to herself….. “It seems like I'm the only one joining. I think another friend will sign in later. It’s 7:20 — 10 more minutes.
If by 7:20 no one else is here, then I guess I win. Just let it run until 7:20 or 7:34.
Join from your phone. There.
Huh, only 8 things left.
If no one else shows up in 8 more minutes, I’ll log off and then you all publish.
Wait — does the charger for the platform work? No?”
Shortly after, DAV79 reassured her, saying, “No, Minh, you are a little early. It starts at 8:30 Singapore time, 7:30 Vietnam time. So stand by for a few minutes.” He added warmly, “I’m also a little early, like you,” signaling a shared anticipation.
Once MIHF prompted the formal beginning, Wybie officially opened the session:
“Okay. Good evening, everyone. Welcome to the program for today. I hope you're all doing well.”
Wybie introduced the session’s theme — Researching — and reminded everyone about the importance of reading the weekly article that had been circulated beforehand. The article, as she explained, included an introduction to the topic, a short story, a summary from the previous session, and the challenge for the week.
Engaging with individual members, Wybie asked participants if they had reviewed the material. JfpThelast confidently replied, “Yes, in fact, I did.” BLC OP also confirmed, “Yes, I did.” However, Minh Anh admitted, “No, I don’t have it yet,” prompting Wybie to offer immediate support:
“Okay, I will send you a link after the session.”
She explained the article’s importance:
“After the session, there’s also a summary there, and if you scroll all the way down to the end, there’s the challenge for the week that we will be presenting.”
At this point, new participants like Emma joined, greeting the group in Ukrainian, which added a multilingual and inclusive dynamic. Despite the language barrier, she was welcomed warmly by both Wybie and Minh Anh.
As the conversation transitioned, Wybie invited everyone to center themselves before diving into discussion.
“Before we start the session, I’d like to invite... my chef—sorry, MIHF—to help me with the mindfulness session.”
MIHF gently corrected the plan:
“JFP will be doing it this week. SAHN assigned JFP last week.”
Wybie accepted the update graciously, allowing the session to shift naturally into the breathing exercise phase.
Belly Breathing with JfpThelast – A Moment of Mindfulness
Following the opening remarks and logistical guidance by Wybie, the session transitioned into a calm and centering moment with the belly breathing exercise. As Wybie gently handed over the screen—“Okay, Jeffy. All yours.”—JfpThelast stepped in with a soft but focused energy, marking a shift in the session’s tempo.
“Hello! Pretty nice,” Jfp greeted the group casually, easing into his role with sincerity. He began by grounding the group in the value of breathing, setting the stage for a short yet impactful mindfulness practice.
With clear and visual instructions, Jfp guided the participants through a simple yet effective belly breathing exercise. He instructed them to place their hands gently and keep their shoulders relaxed. Emphasis was placed on the expansion of the stomach, not the chest, as they inhaled—a core principle of diaphragmatic breathing.
“Imagine there's a big balloon in your stomach. When you breathe in, imagine it blowing up,” he said, helping learners connect breath to imagery.
He paced the room through five intentional breaths, coaching them to focus on the sensation of the balloon inflating and deflating. The practice encouraged presence and body awareness, and he reiterated gentle reminders:
“Make sure your shoulders don’t go up... but your stomach should expand.”
The tone remained rhythmic and supportive. Jfp closed the practice with a final round
“Let’s do it one last time. Breathe in... and breathe out!”
—then thanked everyone simply:
“That is the belly breathing exercise.”
This segment was not only a technique demonstration but also an exercise in calm leadership and grounding presence. Jfp modeled mindful facilitation, subtly reinforcing the importance of self-regulation before diving into the cognitive demands of the session’s main theme—researching.
WYBIE then invited participants to reflect on the week’s assigned article and introducing LIN91 for the the central theme: Researching. This theme set the stage for a deeper exploration of how inquiry, curiosity, and purpose drive meaningful learning.
Main Talk – Led by Ms Lin.91
Ms Lin.91 led a powerful conversation on redefining research—not as a rigid academic task, but as a practice of curiosity and deep questioning. She emphasized that research begins with a mindset of wonder: simple yet profound questions like “why” and “what if” can open doors to unexpected insights. She encouraged participants to pursue knowledge that resonates personally, rather than chasing answers without direction.
Q&A and Reflections
The discussion deepened during the Q&A, as participants voiced challenges around motivation and uncertainty in research. Ms Lin.91 advised starting with questions that spark genuine interest and allowing space for exploration rather than rushing to conclusions.
“What is the last research you did?” The discussion was sparked by curiosity, and each participant began to reflect on their learning process. JfpThelast mentioned a practical inquiry into how to save water, emphasizing environmental awareness. LIN91 gently pushed deeper, “What made you curious about that?” Jfp responded with a nod, noting that it started with a small question in his mind.
Minh Anh chimed in next: “I think research starts from a question. When someone is curious, they find the answer.” She admitted she hadn’t worked on big projects yet but often looked up words and asked friends. LIN91 acknowledged this and encouraged Minh Anh to think of these actions as valid steps in the research process. “Observation can be a feeling,” LIN91 said, “like something is missing—that’s when research begins.”
Richard brought a narrative flair, sharing how reading The Swiss Family Robinson inspired him to look deeper into topics like survival, treehouses, and pets in fiction. “When I didn’t know something in the book, I searched it up—and then kept digging. I even reached page 100 already,” he grinned. LIN91 celebrated his passion, reminding everyone: “That spark is research—what you feel compelled to find out more about.”
ELF001 admitted, “Most of the time, I research because of assignments or programs. I don’t always know what to do until I’m told.” Yet, she also reflected that reading books sometimes introduced unfamiliar words or idioms that triggered her curiosity. LIN91 agreed, “Even forced research can ignite true interest if we’re open to it.”
Emma shared a touching story about how her father helped her develop a curious mindset: “He gave me pictures and asked, ‘What is this? What does that mean?’ That’s how I started learning English last year.” LIN91 responded warmly, “So for you, research begins with your dad and the questions he planted.”
BLC OP reflected thoughtfully, “I don’t think there’s one right way to research. Everyone finds their own approach. But I think patience and calmness are really important—sometimes you hit dead ends.” LIN91 emphasized that point: “Yes, especially when working with complex data. Staying calm is key.”
JfpThelast contributed again, stating that a good researcher must “ask why… again and again until you can’t ask anymore.” He also stressed the importance of spotting things that are not normal, what he called “the place abnormal.” LIN91 expanded on this: “Exactly. You must be able to notice what others miss. That’s what makes you a researcher—not just collecting data, but discovering what lies beneath the surface.”
LIN91 ended the session by challenging the group to apply a six-step research framework to a real story shared by a 15-year-old girl who struggled with lack of skill, limited time, and the absence of a mentor. “Pick one challenge, and research it using the steps. We’ll see what you discover,” she said. Wybie closed the session with gratitude, “We’ve dived much deeper into research today. Let’s continue this journey next time.”
Facilitators and participants shared stories—from childhood curiosities to academic explorations—that illustrated how personal meaning shapes impactful research.
Weekly Challenge Presentations
Group: BLCOP – “The birth and evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI)”
Fictional Twist:
BLC OP created a narrative centered on a fictional character named Elias Thorn, a rogue committee member from the 1956 Dartmouth AI workshop who leaks confidential documents, triggering premature, unethical, and unstable global AI development.
Reimagined Consequences Explored
Global AI Fragmentation:
Competing groups rush AI development based on leaked files, resulting in uncontrolled, dangerous prototypes.
Boom-and-Bust AI Market:
Investment cycles become volatile, driven by hype, fear, and unregulated growth.
Job Market Collapse:
Unstable AI replaces human labor prematurely, leading to mass unemployment and production failures.
Political Instability:
Parties exploit AI-related fears to gain public support, polarizing societies.
Black Markets for AI:
Emergence of illegal AI systems, stolen code, and rogue experiments.
Mass Misinformation:
Public confusion increases due to conflicting messages about AI potential and danger.
Key Learning & Reflections
Wybie raised ethical and long-term concerns about AI, drawing parallels to current societal fears.
DAV79 emphasized:
The need for grounded research (debate and multiple perspectives) to eliminate bias.
The irreplaceable role of human creativity in research and critical thinking.
MIHF explored a possible AI solution: scam detection tools, suggesting it could be commercialized with further development.
ELF001 appreciated the creativity and expressed interest in researching specific actors and encryption/decryption techniques in future timelines.
JFP found the topic inspiring and related it to AI’s growing influence. Also shared experience of gradually overcoming fear by watching horror films with family.
BLCOP’s presentation tackled the historical and speculative journey of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). They began with ancient myths and early philosophical concepts of self-aware machines, tracing the evolution to 19th-century mechanical reasoning and key moments like the Dartmouth Conference and Cybernetics workshops.
A standout element was the introduction of a fictional whistleblower, Elias Thorne, who exposed suppressed documents and controversial practices tied to the origins of AI. Thorne’s narrative revealed failed prototypes, secret developments, and political interference, highlighting the ethical and societal consequences of unchecked AI advancement—such as misinformation, black markets, and the destabilization of global systems.
During the Q&A, participants questioned whether Elias Thorne’s story was fact-based or metaphorical. BLCOP clarified it was speculative but rooted in real fears and historical parallels. Their work was praised for its creativity, well-structured storytelling, and the integration of ethical and technical perspectives.
Groups: JFP and ELF
Both groups misunderstood the challenge prompt and presented unrelated content. Participation and engagement from both were notably low, with missed opportunities to connect to the core research theme. DAV79 shouted out a warning to them
We had exciting discussions from Emma , Richard and Minh Anh. We missed their challenges - but this is where we would need to be able to build an interactive discussion. Being New, DAV79 reminded them to complete their sessions.
3. Evaluation
BLC OP
Strengths:
Clearly introduced the challenge and attempted to explain logic.
Confident in taking the lead during the group segment.
Areas to Improve:
Failed to drive deeper reflection or spark audience engagement.
Presentation delivery lacked energy and left ideas hanging.
Score: 6.5 / 10
Verdict: Has initiative, but must improve content depth and communication dynamics.
JFP (Thelast)
Strengths:
Took ownership of screen sharing and ensured sessions moved along.
Calm, dependable presence that steadied the team.
Areas to Improve:
Technical instructions were occasionally unclear. Needs to remain stable and ensure distractions are minimal. His name was called out many times and the loss of time was heavy.
Relies heavily on others for step-by-step confirmation—needs stronger self-direction.
Score: 7.5 / 10
Verdict: A reliable enabler behind the scenes. Should sharpen clarity and decision confidence.
Richard
Strengths:
Proactive and dependable during execution breakdowns.
Gave direction clearly and helped Emma perform under pressure.
Areas to Improve:
Tone came across as too controlling or dismissive at times.
Needs to build a more emotionally safe space for team communication.
Score: 7.0 / 10
Verdict: Strong executor and pressure-handler. Should evolve into a more emotionally intelligent leader.
Emma
Strengths:
Cooperative and followed through when guided.
Displayed steady, calm presence without disruption.
Areas to Improve:
Passive in team settings—rarely initiated or owned a task.
Missed chances to contribute meaningfully or visibly.
Score: 6.5 / 10
Verdict: Supportive but underperforming in visibility and autonomy. Needs mindset push for ownership.
ELF001
Strengths:
Maintained basic group participation presence.
Areas to Improve:
Very little initiative or verbal participation - slow speaker.
Lacked visibility and assertiveness.
Score: 7.0 / 10
Verdict: Present but unimpactful. Needs to challenge comfort zone and practice active contribution.
Minh Anh
Strengths:
Demonstrated commitment by arriving early—a key signal of responsibility and readiness.
Did speak during the session, showing she was not just physically but mentally present.
Her tone was calm and supportive, contributing to a stable team environment.
Areas to Improve:
Contributions, while present, were not strongly memorable or directional—can improve by pushing for bolder input or leadership in group discussions.
Needs to avoid blending into the background and instead claim space more assertively.
Updated Score: 7.5 / 10
Verdict: A responsible and supportive team member. With more confidence in voicing ideas, Minh Anh can step into a more prominent role.
4. Wrapping Up
The session concluded with a “Thought for the Day,” encouraging everyone to embrace research as a form of self-directed discovery. Rather than chasing perfect answers, participants were reminded to follow questions that genuinely matter to them—and to trust the value of the process itself.
Participants reflected on how fear, when experienced in safe environments, can feel exhilarating, foster emotional bonding, and build confidence.
Emma shared personal experiences with fear of heights.
Richard told a vivid story about catching crickets as a scary but rewarding challenge.
JFP related to the satisfaction of enduring horror movies.
MIHF pointed out how fear spreads socially, suggesting mimicry and emotional contagion.
The session ended with reminders to :
TO DO – CRITICAL ACTION ITEMS
Read the next chapter and complete its challenges.
Article Engagement & Compliance
SAHN and MIHF must review and comment on the articles immediately.
Ensure all members have reviewed the content and acted on the identified tasks.
Current behavior reflects non-compliance, which must be addressed promptly.
Facilitator Rotation Structure
Wybie, as Program Facilitator, must assign and build capacity in two members who will rotate leadership of the session activities. BLCOP / ELF001
Each of these members should take responsibility for two weeks, with Wybie supporting and facilitating alongside them for the remaining sessions.
Weekly RACI Update
MIHF is responsible for ensuring the RACI matrix is completed and updated weekly without exception. This is mandatory for accountability tracking.
Facilitation Standards – Silence & Engagement
All facilitators must actively manage energy and avoid extended silences or repetitive dialogue during sessions.
Practice effective questioning, stay mentally sharp, and incorporate appropriate humor to keep the atmosphere dynamic.
DAV79 to set up training room for facilitators and collaborators - Debriefing after the TLS session for 30 minutes - WYBIE/ BLCOP / ELF001 / MIHF to stay back.
Reminder: SILENCE DRAINS PROGRAM ENERGY.
Content Review Protocol – Thought of the Week
The latest “Thought for the Week” was deemed inappropriate.
Going forward, all content must be screened for appropriateness and relevance before airing.
BCDF, as the senior facilitator, you are accountable for ensuring this standard is consistently upheld.
I’m glad something tugged Elise that he would remember his childhood.This story’s ends in suspense so that the readers are eager to know what’s coming.This and Eli’s feeling thrilled me as it gave me a feeling of a mysterious track which Eli had to walk so overall I think it was a pretty good poem and fantastic
The boy's story is somewhat touching.