Critical Reflection

 

Module Learning

It has provided me with valuable insights into both my strengths and areas for improvement. Initially, I highlighted my weaknesses in my introductory letter, which is that I tend to ramble, providing excessive or unnecessary details that can dilute the clarity of my message and create confusion. Over the last 13 weeks, I’m glad to say that I have made substantial improvement toward achieving these goals. The learning aspects of this module are not limited, not only did I gain those skills, but I felt that I managed to weigh out the different factors that contributed to this gap I had. This growth would not have been possible without the support of my peers and the constructive feedback from Professor Brad, who has guided me throughout in refining my critical thinking and effective communication skills. Moreover, the resources that were provided to us in class has given me new insights on how to enhance both my critical thinking and effective communication. I have refined my writing skills more critically through various thinking processes throughout the module. I recognized the need for improvement and seized the opportunity to refine my skills. Familiarizing myself with writing formats such as PEEL and employing frameworks like the Paul-Elder framework for critical thinking has significantly enhanced the quality of my written work. Besides that, the CRAAP test has enabled me to identify reliable sources for referencing in my reports. On the shortcoming that was previously mentioned, the mock oral presentation made me aware of how fast I spoke and considered whether or not my audience would understand what I was attempting to say. It made me realise that I made significant improvements in my speech even though not all of my speech gaps have entirely improved. By using Monroe's 5-step Motivated sequence for the final presentation, the majority of the feedback I got was positive, and the constructive feedback that I received gave me the confidence to know that I am in the right direction. As long as I constantly trying and keep improving, the result outcome will gave me a strong foundation that allowed me to strengthen my presentation and public speaking.

Project Learning

Throughout our group project, I came to see leadership not as a fixed role but as a shared responsibility—each member stepping up when needed. Strong communication played a crucial role in ensuring the success and productivity of our project. We maintained regular meetings and utilized online platforms such as Discord and Google Docs to facilitate discussions and align everyone towards our common goals. These resources not only improved our coordination but also reinforced the importance of clear and open communication in collaborative settings. One methodology I effectively applied was the CRAAP test to evaluate credible sources. This test ensured the viability and relevance of our project content, enabling me to contribute meaningful ideas that enhanced the overall quality of our work. Engaging in meticulous research allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of how to support arguments with credible evidence—a skill that will be invaluable in both academic and professional contexts. This journey has significantly contributed to my personal growth, particularly in teamwork, research, and strategic planning. One key realization I had is the importance of approaching learning with an open mind and a commitment to continual growth. Initially, I assumed this module would merely repeat content I had covered in polytechnic, and I approached it with skepticism. However, as the weeks progressed, I was pleasantly surprised by how engaging and practical the lessons were. The experience challenged my initial expectations and underscored the value of lifelong learning, regardless of age or prior experience. One of the most profound takeaways from this experience was recognizing that learning is not just about acquiring knowledge but also about applying it in real-world scenarios. The skills I’ve honed—ranging from teamwork and critical evaluation to effective communication—will serve me well not only in future academic assignments, such as writing my IWSP report but also in crafting professional documents and preparing workplace presentations. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn under Professor Blackstone, whose engaging teaching style transformed this module into a meaningful and enjoyable experience. The insights and expertise I’ve gained from him will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping my future endeavors.