Critical Reflection

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Module Learning

At the start of the Critical Thinking and Communicating Module, I had two goals in mind. One was to build up my confidence and work on being a better communicator and the other to to improve my writing skills. During these thirteen weeks, I learned different communication and critical thinking skills such as the APA Format (7th edition) citation and Paul-Elder framework. I initially doubted if I was able to not only learn in the classroom but also apply that same knowledge into group activities and assignments that are usually given. However, after a few weeks of adjustment, I felt more confident in using what was taught to do my coursework. 

From the classes, I made significant progress in structuring sentences to make them flow better in paragraphs in my Reader Response and used the feedback I got from class activities to know where the weak points are to improve. Additionally, my presentation skills for the Oral Presentation seemed to have improved, which was something unexpected. Overall, this module taught me that communication and critical thinking are extremely essential not only just for presentation and reports modules, IWSP and Capstone Project, but also in my daily life. I was able to achieve my goals at the end of these thirteen weeks but I would say that there is still improvement that can be made. My reason for saying this is that learning is a journey, not a destination. As the first Trimester of the three years of the Mechanical Engineering Program is coming to an end, there are a multitude of experiences in the future to use these valuable communicating skills during the remaining course of my study.

Project Learning

During my research project, teamwork was something that was quite important as this was considered a group project. For the research project, we focused on Nanobubble technology, which was a new type of technology which required regular meetings, brainstorming and dividing tasks. When my research group was first formed, I felt left out from the rest of my group mates as I found it hard to fit in and discuss with them. Eventually after a while, I was able to at least play my role as a team member and became more social with them.

Throughout half of the Critical Thinking and Communicating Module, the research project showed where to find opportunities from mistakes instead of obstacles. I was also more inclined to being passive than being actively engaged in discussions. From this evaluation, I realised where the flaws I had during the research project and how I should tackle them. This also brings me to another point where there is an importance of being able to speak up more, especially when suggesting ideas.This experience has shifted my perspective on teamwork. Now, I believe that group projects where interpersonal skills can be applied and improved on and not simply a means to complete tasks. Despite that, there is a need to work on assertiveness to ensure that my ideas can be heard. During the next eight trimesters, as there will be requirements to be engaged in group projects, I would like to take the opportunity to learn the skills to become a better team player and work with my future group mates.


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