Critical Reflection

Module Learning

At the beginning of the module, I set two main goals: to build confidence in public speaking and to strengthen my critical thinking skills. Reflecting on my progress, I believe I have made steady improvements in both areas, though there is still room for further development.

In terms of public speaking, I started the course feeling uncertain, especially when responding to spontaneous questions. I often struggled with nervousness during presentations, particularly under pressure. However, through the mock presentations and class discussions, I gradually became more comfortable speaking in front of others. Practicing in smaller groups helped me organize my thoughts better and respond more calmly when asked questions. I also paid attention to feedback from my instructor and peers and applied their suggestions to improve my pacing and delivery. While I still occasionally feel anxious, I now approach presentations with more confidence and a clearer structure.

Regarding critical thinking, the course has helped me learn how to analyze problems from multiple perspectives. Previously, I tended to focus on technical solutions without fully questioning the assumptions behind them. Now, I am more comfortable challenging ideas, evaluating sources critically, and building arguments with supporting evidence. Using tools like ChatGPT also helped me expand my thinking by prompting alternative viewpoints and helping me refine my arguments.

To continue developing, I plan to participate more actively in group discussions and reflect more deeply on feedback. I will also engage with case studies and engineering scenarios to practice applying critical thinking in practical contexts. These steps will help me grow further as a communicator and thinker.

Project Learning

The group project gave me a valuable opportunity to reflect on my learning, particularly in the areas of teamwork, research writing, and presentation. Early on, I helped coordinate our topic selection and schedule. As someone who enjoys organizing tasks and keeping things on track, I found myself naturally taking the lead in planning. I also contributed heavily to the research and proposal writing process by suggesting ideas, reviewing drafts, and ensuring our arguments were clear and supported.

Working with teammates showed me how diverse perspectives can improve the quality of a project. I learned to listen more actively and to be open to feedback, even when it meant adjusting my own ideas. This helped me build better collaboration skills and improved the overall effectiveness of our team. I also found that I was able to support others not just by contributing content but also by helping clarify ideas and polishing the final draft for cohesion and consistency.

One major area of growth was my presentation ability. In the past, I struggled with confidence during public speaking, as I mentioned in my initial goal. But through our mock presentations and team rehearsals, I started to feel more at ease. I practiced not only my part of the script but also how to respond to questions more calmly. Receiving feedback from the instructor after the mock session helped me focus on key areas, such as slowing down and making eye contact. These small changes made a big difference in how I delivered my final presentation.

This project also changed the way I view learning. I used to think of learning as something individual, but I now see how much growth happens through collaboration. I have learned that being flexible, open-minded, and willing to revise ideas is just as important as technical knowledge. These insights will stay with me as I take on future academic and professional challenges.