Critical Reflection

Module Learning

At the start of the module, I set two goals to improve my communication and critical thinking skills. My first goal was to express myself more clearly and effectively in personal and professional contexts. Throughout the module, the professor shared many personal stories about communication. One that stood out was how he successfully pitched an idea to the Head of General Motors at a house party in Portugal. I was surprised to learn that a pitch could succeed in an informal setting. Before this, I assumed a successful pitch requires a formal environment, professional attire, and polished PowerPoint slides. However, I realized that clarity and conciseness mattered more. This insight changed how I view communication and taught me that being clear and straightforward is essential for effective communication. My second goal was to overcome the anxiety I felt when giving presentations. The oral presentation assessment was a great opportunity to practice my public speaking skills. Preparing through several mock pitches helped me feel more comfortable and reduced my nervousness over time. These rehearsals gave me the courage to speak confidently in front of an audience. While I have made progress, feedback from my peers and the professor showed I need to improve my pacing and body language, which sometimes came across as rushed or stiff. To address these areas, I plan to use online resources to learn techniques and seek opportunities to practice public speaking in both academic and extracurricular settings. With consistent effort, I can become a confident and engaging speaker. Maybe one day, I can even deliver a TED Talk!

Project Learning

The research project was another important aspect of this module and provided a valuable opportunity to improve my teamwork and problem-solving skills. Working with a group of people I had never met before was challenging at first because we lacked familiarity and trust. It took time to establish rapport and figure out how to collaborate effectively. Our team had different working styles, which occasionally led to misunderstandings and delays. However, by applying critical thinking, I learned how to navigate these challenges more effectively. Instead of jumping to conclusions or reacting emotionally, I made an effort to listen carefully to my teammates’ perspectives and understand their points of view. This not only improved my communication but also helped create a more positive and productive team dynamic. By focusing on open dialogue and mutual respect, we were able to overcome early difficulties and work well together as a team. Writing the research report also came with its own set of hurdles. Having spent two years in military service, I felt rusty when it came to academic writing. Writer’s block was a frequent obstacle, and at first, I struggled to contribute meaningfully. Fortunately, with guidance from the professor and encouragement from my teammates, I started using AI tools and discussing my workload openly with my team, which helped kickstart my writing process and set realistic expectations. These strategies enabled me to complete my portion of the report, manage my responsibilities effectively, and regain confidence in my writing abilities. Overall, this project was not only a learning experience but also a reminder of how collaboration and communication can lead to success.

Conclusion

Finally, I feel proud to have completed this module and grateful for the skills I have gained. The lessons I learned will benefit me not only during my university studies but also in my future career. I want to thank Professor Blackstone for his wisdom and guidance throughout this module. He is an inspiring teacher, and his lessons will stay with me for years to come.