Critical Reflection

Module Learning:
Since the start of this module, my primary aim has been to enhance my effective communication skills. Throughout its duration, I have noticed improvements in this area. One aspect that significantly contributed to my progress was the task of reading through the slides. This exercise not only strengthened my English proficiency but also fostered a greater sense of familiarity with the language. Moreover, the module presented an opportunity for me to work on another objective of mine: refining my skills in delivering formal presentations. A significant highlight was the group research project, which required us to pitch our research topic to the professor. This task provided me with a valuable chance to hone my speaking abilities. Both mock presentations and formal presentations were instrumental in this regard. Following the mock presentation, I received constructive feedback on areas for improvement, ranging from presentation delivery to specific points to avoid. This feedback proved invaluable, enabling me to refine my approach and deliver more polished presentations during the formal sessions. 

While I acknowledge that I'm making progress towards my goal, I feel there's still room for improvement, as effective communication skills are an ongoing journey. To enhance my skills further, I consider active listening paramount. To achieve this, I plan to expose myself to more public speaking engagements, enabling me to genuinely grasp others' messages. Practicing active listening involves dedicating my full attention and seeking clarification through pertinent questions. Additionally, I recognize the value of receiving feedback as a means of improvement. Remaining receptive to constructive criticism regarding my communication style entails attentively considering others' input and actively integrating suggested enhancements into my approach to communication. 

Project Learning:
During our team project, we were assigned the task of composing a technical report on our chosen topic. We encountered numerous challenges, one of which revolved around grappling with a lack of comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. Through this, I recognized the significance of adaptability and resourcefulness in navigating unfamiliar territory. The process of synthesizing information from diverse sources not only honed my reading abilities but also served as a catalyst for enhancing my writing proficiency as I needed to write down the points from various sites. 

Moreover, collaboration within a team fosters enhanced communication, facilitated by the assignment of diverse roles to each member, thereby encouraging the exchange of varied ideas and suggestions. This underscores the critical importance of effective communication in achieving project objectives. Furthermore, the allocation of distinct responsibilities to team members underscores the significance of collaboration, highlighting the necessity for each individual to effectively fulfill their designated role. Therefore, I learned that communication is the key to effective teamwork as without effective communication, each of us is just doing our own stuff.

Experiencing the challenges and successes of our team project has significantly impacted my approach to learning. Firstly, grappling with the lack of understanding of our chosen topic taught me the importance of adaptability and resourcefulness. I've come to realize that being open to new concepts and willing to navigate unfamiliar territory is crucial for growth and development. Moving forward, I will approach learning with a more flexible mindset, embracing challenges as opportunities for learning and growth rather than obstacles.

In conclusion, the primary takeaways underscore the significance of adaptability and resourcefulness. Embracing a flexible mindset towards learning offers ample opportunities for personal development and growth. It is my aspiration to extend these lessons beyond academic endeavors and integrate them into various aspects of life. By cultivating flexibility in both study and life, I aim to navigate challenges with resilience and seize opportunities for continuous learning and advancement.