Critical Reflection

After almost one trimester of learning, this module has helped me grow both as a communicator and as a collaborator. Looking back, I feel that I have made steady progress toward the goals I had set at the beginning of the trimester, mainly to improve my confidence in presenting technical ideas and to strengthen my collaborative communication skills. Through class activities, team discussions, and the project experience, I gained deeper insights into my own strengths and areas for improvement.

One of my key learning goals was to become more confident in presenting technical content clearly and concisely. At the start, I often found it difficult to explain complex ideas in a way that felt natural and engaging. However, through regular group discussions and our oral presentation, I gradually became more comfortable with organizing my thoughts and delivering them under time pressure. A key turning point was when I had the opportunity to introduce our team’s proposal on the Smart Waste Management System. I experimented with storytelling and real-world examples to make the topic more relatable, which helped me connect with the audience and present with greater clarity. I also realized that using structured pacing and intentional emphasis on key points made my delivery more impactful.

Instructor feedback and class exercises played a major role in helping me improve the flow of my communication. I learned how to better structure arguments, manage my time when speaking, and respond to questions thoughtfully. Although I still see room for growth, I now approach public speaking with more preparation, purpose, and confidence.

Another major area of development was in collaborative communication. Working with teammates who brought diverse ideas and perspectives helped me become more open-minded and reflective. I learned to balance expressing my own opinions with listening actively, and I became more comfortable giving and receiving constructive feedback. This shift in mindset allowed me to work more effectively during team-based tasks like report drafting, content refinement, and problem-solving. I learned that collaboration is not just about dividing work, but about continuous exchange of ideas and mutual support.

To further improve, I plan to be more proactive in group discussions and ask clarifying questions to ensure alignment. I also aim to strengthen my ability to summarise technical points more succinctly during presentations. These steps will help me grow into a more confident and flexible communicator in future academic and professional settings.

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Project Learning

This project was an important part of my learning experience, as it gave me a chance to explore a real-world issue through research, planning, and collaboration. From topic ideation to final submission, I was actively involved at every stage. I co-led the team during early discussions, pitched my own topic idea, and helped guide the group toward selecting the Smart Waste Management System. Once the topic was finalized, I contributed significantly to the report structure, wrote major sections, and led the development and delivery of the project introduction.

One of my key takeaways from this project was improving my report writing and technical communication skills. Initially, I found it difficult to link technical solutions to broader social impacts. However, through multiple rounds of peer feedback and revisions, I learned how to improve the logical flow and coherence of my writing. I also gained experience in synthesizing research into concise and meaningful insights, particularly when describing our proposed solutions like IoT sensors and mobile applications.

Time management and task delegation were other important skills I developed. During peak periods, I stepped up to coordinate assignments, review drafts, and ensure that our work aligned with the rubric. This taught me the value of balancing accountability with flexibility, especially when working as a team. It also gave me more confidence in my ability to lead and manage collaborative tasks effectively. 

Perhaps the most significant area of growth was my confidence in presenting. Through storytelling, local case studies, and relatable examples, I was able to build a stronger connection with the audience. Practising the pitch and incorporating peer feedback helped me improve my delivery and manage nervousness more effectively.

Overall, this project changed the way I view teamwork. I no longer see it as simply splitting work among members, but as a dynamic process involving critical thinking, feedback, and shared growth. I’ve learned that technical skills are essential, but the ability to communicate, lead, and collaborate effectively is just as crucial, especially when addressing real-world problems.

Looking back, I’m really thankful for everything I’ve learned in this module. It’s helped me grow so much, not just in terms of skills, but also in understanding myself better. A big thank you to Prof. Brad for always being so supportive and encouraging. Your guidance really made a difference, and I’ll definitely carry what I’ve learned into future projects and challenges.