Week 13 Critical Reflection

3.2.1 Module Learning Reflection

At the beginning of this course, I set specific goals for myself to enhance my critical thinking and communication skills. One of the key challenges I aimed to overcome was my lack of confidence in speaking in front of a group of people. Even though I have made efforts to step out of my comfort zone, I often find myself retreating back into it. I hoped that this module would help me become a more confident person and speaker.

Throughout the course, I have made significant strides in improving my communication and critical thinking skills. Engaging in discussions, presentations, and group activities has allowed me to practice speaking in front of others. While I still experience nervousness, I have noticed an improvement in my ability to articulate my thoughts clearly and confidently. However, I acknowledge that my confidence is still a work in progress, and I need to continue pushing myself beyond my comfort zone.

I have participated in class discussion when given the opportunity, sought feedbacks from peers and instructors, and worked on structuring my arguments more effectively. These activities have helped me become more analytical and thoughtful in my responses. Additionally, I have made a conscious effort to practice speaking in smaller group settings to gradually build my confidence.

To further improve my communication skills, I intend to take advantage of more practice opportunities, such as volunteering for leadership positions or joining public speaking clubs, to further boost my confidence in public speaking. I will also focus on developing relaxation techniques to manage anxiety and improve my delivery.

Reflecting on my learning journey, I am pleased with the progress I have made, but I recognize that continuous effort is needed. By consistently stepping out of my comfort zone and refining my skills, I am confident that I will become a more effective and self-assured speaker in the future.

3.2.2 Project Learning Reflection

For the second half of this trimester, we have the opportunity to work in groups of three or four, and ultimately we have to produce a technical report and also an elevator pitch. My group decided to work on the topic on global warming, and how the use of bio-based materials like hempcrete would benefit the world and target audiences. 

Beyond just the technical content, this collaborative project was a worthwhile educational experience as it helped me enhance my collaboration skills. I learned that effective teamwork requires clear communication, adaptability, and a shared vision. Understanding each group member’s strengths allowed us to work more efficiently and respectfully, and I became more aware of how my role contributed to the overall success of the group.

In contrast to individual writing, group writing requires attention to tone and format, and I found myself taking on an editing role, which made me realize I have a strong eye for detail and organization, which will be useful in in both academic and professional contexts. Overall writing a technical report taught me the value of clarity, structure and consistency. 

My presentation abilities improved as a result of developing and preparing the the elevator pitch. It tested my abilities to explain complex ideas in a clear, interesting manner such that the target audiences could understand. I also found out that my confidence increases significantly when I understand the material and have time to rehearse. My group members and I were able to improve our delivery and increase the impact of the pitch by practicing. 

Overall, this project changed my view of learning, from focusing solely on content to appreciating the importance of communication, collaboration, and self-awareness. These skills are just as important  as technical knowledge, and I will carry them forward into future group collaborations and real-world challenges.