Critical Reflection

 3.2.1

At the beginning of this Critical Thinking module, I had set two clear goals which are to improve my public speaking skills by managing presentation anxiety and practicing structured delivery, and to enhance my written communication so that my reports and proposals would be clear, concise, and impactful. Reflecting on what I had completed up till this point, I believed I made significant progress, although there are always room for improvement. 

When it came to presentation or public speaking, I often found myself overwhelmed by anxiety which affected my pacing and clarity. However, Prof Brad class were highly engaging, and students were given opportunities to stand up and speak in front of our peers. These chances to present helped to build my confidence. The constructive feedback I received also played a key role which helped me identify specific area for improvement.

In preparation for my group’s presentation, I applied several strategies such as mental rehearsal, memorizing key points, and practicing how to improvise on the spot. These techniques helped me maintain better composure and allowed me to stay focused under pressure. Most importantly, I learned how to recover quickly from any momentary uncertainty instead of getting flustered. This experience contributed greatly to my ability to deliver more structured and confident presentations.

For written communication like Reader’s Response and Technical Report, it allowed me to practice clarity and structure. I learned to organize my ideas more logically (PEEL Structure), and paraphrase effectively while correctly citing sources (APA). Tools like ChatGPT were essential were essential in developing my ability to research and integrate credible evidence. This strengthened my ability to construct well-reasoned arguments, which was an important part of critical thinking.

3.2.2

One key area of learning was teamwork. I learned how to collaborate effectively with peers who have different working styles, strengths, and expectations. These experiences taught me the importance of setting clear expectations and maintaining open, respectful communication within a team.

One skill that improved significantly during this process was my ability to give and receive feedback. During peer reviews and discussions, I learned how to offer constructive critiques and respond to feedback without taking it personally. This skill became especially valuable during our preparation for the final presentation, where input from teammates helped us refine both our content and delivery.

This experience changed my view of learning. Previously, I saw learning as an individual effort focused mainly on grades and outcomes. Now, I understand it as a collaborative process, where growth comes through interaction, reflection, and adaptability. Moving forward, I will carry these lessons into future group work and professional settings, where strong teamwork and communication are essential for success.