Critical Reflection

Before I started the module, I faced many challenges. I have the inability to adapt my communication style to different audiences during presentations and engagement talks. Speaking in front of a large audience causes me to panic and sound unclear. This shows a lack of confidence and skills to handle difficult situations. Thus, I aimed to overcome the challenges and do well in both written and oral presentations in this module learning.

The critical thinking process is important as it requires conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information through observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, and communication. The Pyramid Principle method can assist in ensuring that the most significant and pertinent information is presented first by arranging ideas in a hierarchy. This has facilitated my understanding and comprehension of the argument. Applying the method helps me to focus on the most important ideas and support them with relevant evidence. When performing my research, the use of the Pyramid Principle can help to avoid unnecessary information and make the argument more efficient. This method has been a powerful tool for me who needs to communicate complex ideas in a clear and persuasive way.

Another effective method is the Paul Elder critical thinking framework. This allows me to consider the implications and consequences of the information and arguments for my purpose and other relevant sources. It provides a methodical and rigorous approach to thinking that encourages me to become more self-aware, logical, and persuasive in my arguments. By doing so, I can quickly process information, efficiently gather knowledge, and analyze sources. With a good understanding of the critical thinking process, I can now confidently deal with most problems in my work. As I understand more in the depth of my research, I am more confident and able to speak smoothly and fluently to my peers without having to stutter or sound clueless about my ideas. I believe this communication skill is important that I can apply daily at work and school. However, there are some improvements that need to be put into practice and will benefit me in the long run. [347  words]

The project learning impacted me positively through the research project on “EzClean” Semi-automatic mechanical broom was an opportunity for me to work together with my peers.

During project learning, I have learned that each of my team members has different strengths and weaknesses. The first part of the project attempt is to make sure we clearly state the articulated goals and listen to each of our members’ ideas and different perspectives. How we interact with each other and support each toward achieving our common goals is through teamwork. Team dynamics are important as it is a collaborative effort. This has enabled my team and I to work effectively towards a shared goal, leverage each other’s strengths and overcome challenges together.

I have adopted and adapted communications skills in writing and oral presentations with my team. This module has given us an opportunity to learn, relearn, unlearn, and continue to improve our skills and knowledge. Learning is an endless cycle that also requires us to continue to put it into practice so that we have a growth mindset. Oral presentations have helped us prepare and learn different styles and techniques. A few tips our professor has mentioned are that we are to speak slowly and clearly, maintain eye contact with the audience, and use hand gestures. In this way, we will not panic and seem confident even when we are nervous. Technical writing of our project has also helped us to have a broad knowledge of technology, to have the ability to convey complex information in a simple language, and write clearly. Peer and instructor reviews enable us to be aware of the improvements that need to be made and let us see from a different perspective.

Nonetheless, this project learning has made my team and I realized what we do not know about. There are many key takeaways I have benefitted from through written and verbal communication, teamwork, and in-depth research in this project. I have contributed my strengths and enhanced my learning experiences to the best of my abilities in your classes. [343 words]