Critical Relection

 

At the start of this module, I set out to improve my public speaking skills and build confidence in communication. Over the past 12 weeks, I’m happy to say I’ve made significant progress. Initially, being called upon by Professor Blackstone to read slides in front of the class made me hesitant, but the consistent practice allowed me to get out of my comfort zone. Over time, I was able to read more smoothly, reduced my stuttering, and learned to manage my nerves more effectively. This routine not only improved my public speaking skills but also boosted my confidence.

During class, I learned about the different frameworks that can be used in critical thinking and one such example is the Paul-Elder framework. This framework helped me approach problems in a clear and organized way by breaking them into smaller parts. For example, it taught me to always ask myself questions like “What’s the purpose of this statement?” or “Are my facts correct?”. These simple steps made it easier to analyse and draw better conclusions.

In addition to critical thinking, I also learned about the 7 Cs of Communication, which further helped me improve how I express my ideas. For example, clarity taught me to simplify complex ideas and ensure my message is understood. Together, the Paul-Elder framework and the 7 Cs have helped me not only think critically but also communicate my thoughts in a clear and effective way. Moving forward, I plan to keep practicing both frameworks to further improve my thinking and communication skills.

Reflecting on my project experience, I would say that it was a mixture of ups and downs. During my presentation, I struggled mainly due to insufficient preparation. I relied heavily on reading off the slides and paused frequently, which impacted my delivery. This experience highlighted a recurring problem that I have which is my tendency to procrastinate and leave tasks until the last minute. I realised that this habit undermines my performance and addressing it is crucial for both personal and academic growth.

Another key learning experience was working on the group report, especially since it involved collaborating with new faces after a long break from teamwork-based projects during national service. Initially, stepping out of my comfort zone to connect with Andy, Zikry, and Yuan Xu was challenging. However, as we worked on the report together, I learned the importance of open communication and trust in building an effective team dynamic. Over time, we slowly developed an understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses which allowed us to divide tasks strategically and work more efficiently. This process not only made the experience more enjoyable but also highlighted the value of diverse perspectives and how collaboration can lead to creative, successful outcomes.

Overall, the module experience has reshaped my perspective on learning. I now recognize that success requires not only individual effort but also collaboration and proactive planning. Moving forward, I intend to adopt better time management strategies to avoid last-minute rushes and embrace team projects as opportunities to grow. I’m proud of what my team accomplished and grateful for the lessons I’ve gained, which I’ll carry into future endeavours.