Module Learning Reflection
At the beginning of this course, I set two specific goals for myself: (1) to build greater confidence in public speaking and (2) to actively enjoy and participate in the learning process. Now, as I reflect on my progress, I can confidently say that I have made significant strides in both areas.
For my first goal, I believe that this module has helped me develop my confidence in public speaking. One moment that stands out is the pitch I delivered. I consider this to be the best pitch I have ever made, as I dedicated considerable effort to its preparation. Before the pitch, I felt confident, and although I experienced some nervousness during the presentation, I managed to deliver it successfully. I am proud of myself for overcoming my anxieties and performing well. This experience reinforced my ability to stay composed under pressure and demonstrated that thorough preparation plays a crucial role in effective communication.
In addition to the pitch, participating in class discussions also contributed to my growth. Speaking up in front of peers can be intimidating, but this module encouraged an environment where I felt comfortable expressing my thoughts. The feedback I received helped me refine my articulation and delivery. I am satisfied with the progress I have made toward achieving my first goal, but I recognize that continuous practice is essential to further improve my public speaking skills.
Regarding my second goal, I genuinely enjoyed the Prof. Brad classes. I found myself looking forward to each session, as they were engaging, interactive, and rewarding. While completing assignments was sometimes challenging, I appreciated the learning process because it allowed me to refine my critical thinking and speaking skills. The discussions in class provided me with valuable insights into different perspectives, which in turn helped me develop a more analytical approach to problem-solving. I also found that group activities and collaborative tasks made learning more enjoyable, as they allowed me to interact with my peers and gain exposure to diverse viewpoints.
In terms of improving my communication and critical thinking skills, I have taken several steps throughout this module. Actively participating in class discussions helped me articulate my thoughts more clearly. Additionally, engaging with different viewpoints allowed me to evaluate information more critically before forming my own opinions. Learning to listen actively and respond thoughtfully to others' ideas has been a valuable skill that I will continue to develop.
Project Learning Reflection
For my research project, I was involved in writing a technical report for AutoCAD. This experience was similar to reports I had written during my polytechnic days, but this time, I learned more about structuring my work according to specific formatting guidelines. Reviewing sample student works helped me understand the required flow and organization of the report, which ultimately improved my writing skills. This experience reinforced the importance of adhering to established standards and structuring content in a logical and coherent manner.
Beyond writing skills, this project also played a significant role in enhancing my teamwork skills. One aspect that stood out was how Prof. Brad formed the project groups. Instead of allowing us to choose our teammates, he intentionally mixed students up, ensuring that we worked with peers we had not collaborated with before. This approach pushed me out of my comfort zone and required me to adapt to new team dynamics.
One of the key lessons I learned from this experience was the importance of flexibility and compromise when working in a team. Since my group members and I had different schedules, we had to coordinate effectively and find common time slots to complete our work. This experience made me more aware of the importance of communication and planning when collaborating on a project. It also taught me how to navigate different working styles and find a balance that ensured productivity while maintaining a positive team dynamic.
This experience is particularly valuable for my future, as in the professional world, I will not always have the option to choose my colleagues. Learning how to work with different individuals, manage conflicting schedules, and find common ground are skills that will benefit me in my career. Moving forward, I will apply these lessons to future group projects and workplace collaborations, ensuring that I contribute effectively to any team I am a part of.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this module and project experience have helped me grow both personally and academically. I have become more confident in public speaking, developed a stronger interest in learning, improved my writing skills, and learned how to work well with different teams. Additionally, I have gained a deeper appreciation for effective communication, critical thinking, and adaptability—skills that are essential for personal and professional success.
By recognizing areas where I can improve and setting goals for continuous learning, I am confident that I will keep building on my critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills in the future. I look forward to applying the knowledge and experiences gained from this module in both academic and professional settings, ensuring that I continue to develop as a confident speaker, an engaged learner, and a collaborative team player.
