DISCUSSION 1 – Evaluating Contemporary Knowledge Identify the critical competencies for a practitioner in your area of specialization. How are these competencies assessed and valued in your chosen profession? Reference the current professional literature on your area of specialization to support your points. Reflecting on your course of study at the University of the Rockies, which courses have been most important in helping you develop and refine the competencies required for success in your future professional pursuits? DISCUSSION 2 – Lifelong Learning In his seminal book The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization, Peter Senge (1990) defined personal mastery as “a discipline of continually clarifying and deepening our personal vision, of focusing our energies, of developing patience, and of seeing reality objectively” (p. 7). Consider the Self-Reflection Learning Activity you completed in Week One as you describe your plans for lifelong learning. What is your perspective on personal mastery and lifelong learning? How will you stay current with theories, trends and practices in your area of specialization? What opportunities exist within your area of specialization for lifelong learning? What specific actions will you take following completion of your doctoral program to continuously learn and grow professionally? Readings Pabst, E. (2011). Blissful blundering: Embracing deficiency and surviving graduate school. The Geographical Bulletin, 52(2), 92-94. (ProQuest Document ID: 2517583541) Powell, W. E. (2007). The wisdom of looking deeply. Families in Society, 88(1), 3-6. (ProQuest Document ID: 1243753921) Schraeder, M., Freeman, W., & Durham, C. (2007). A lexicon for lifelong learning. The Journal for Quality and Participation, 30(4), 31-36. (ProQuest Document ID: 1429994021) PLEASE KEEP EACH DISCUSSION SEPARATE (ONE PAGE PER DISCUSSION).