Another student considers the experiences they have had in class alongside their friends and teachers as a learning community. They have read books and articles together, seen films, and gone on field trips. They've talked about these things during class time, and mulled them over while doing their nightly homework.
To be honest, sometimes this student finds the tasks of learning to be a little tedious, or just, well, not exactly inspiring. There was one article that was so hard to get through, they felt as though they were looking up every other word just to have the faintest idea of the point. But, they consider that one video clip, that one reading passage, that one idea shared by their teacher that made their eyes widen, their ears perk up, their back straighten. What was it that made them lean forward in their chair as if to learn more by getting closer to the source?
To have a successful experience as a researcher, you need to allow yourself to be pulled in to the learning experiences offered to you. A research or inquiry-based assignment is a chance to make your learning your own, and to dive into a topic, issue, or problem that compels you. The skills and background knowledge you need to do this well are developed by experiences you share in class, so notice what you enjoy!
Take time to explore those interesting ideas! Dip into sources and enjoy reading and learning, with no particular goal in mind.