Looking back on this module, I can see significant growth in both my knowledge and interpersonal skills. Through active engagement and participation, I became more comfortable expressing my thoughts and interacting with my peers. Professor Blackstone’s consistent encouragement to voice our opinions and present in front of our peers fostered an inclusive learning environment that nurtured my confidence.
A goal I set for myself at the start of the course was to avoid using filler words to sound more confident and credible, and I feel that I have achieved it. Even outside of class, I make a conscious effort to form complete sentences and take necessary pauses when thinking, rather than relying on filler words. This has not only improved my communication but also improved my confidence in expressing myself and my ideas.
At the start of the module, I often accepted information at face value and lacked the habit of questioning or analysing it deeply. However, through this module, I gained valuable insights into frameworks such as the Paul-Elder framework and the 7Cs of communication, learning how to apply them effectively. These frameworks taught me to evaluate ideas critically and consider multiple perspectives before concluding. Additionally, I developed the ability to break down complex problems, challenge assumptions, and analyze evidence more thoroughly. As a result, my ability to write clear, logical, and non-bias reports has significantly improved.
One instance that highlighted this growth was during a group discussion about the printing mechanism of SLA 3D. Initially, I found myself agreeing with the majority opinion without much hesitation as I lacked knowledge on this. Reflecting on this after the session, I recognized the need to challenge assumptions and ask probing questions. In subsequent tasks, I consciously tried to probe our idea and ultimately change it from the machinery to the material used instead. This development has not only enhanced my academic work but also sharpened my decision-making skills in everyday situations.
Being placed in a team settings with people I barely knew during the first week felt intimidating. There were many uncertainties about how others preferred to work, both individually and collaboratively, which made me apprehensive. However, through this module, I have gained confidence in working within teams and group settings due to the many swaps we had through this 13 weeks. Having interacted with more than 50% of the class made me feel more comfortable and confident to talk in front of my peers. I have learned that mutual respect plays a key role in fostering teamwork, and I believe that reflecting respect and being open toward others encourages them to reciprocate.
For my presentation, I felt confident and natural, largely due to my past experiences speaking in front of crowds during my time in the army. However, I recognise that there are still gaps to be addressed and habits that need improvement. This module provided me with valuable feedback from not only my peers but also from Professor Blackstone. Professor Blackstone’s constructive feedback gave me a deeper understanding of how to structure my presentations effectively, engaging the audience and improving my tone and emphasis on certain words.
In terms of writing, I have observed significant improvement thanks to the variety of assignments we have completed throughout the module. These tasks allowed me to receive thoughtful feedback from both my peers and Professor Blackstone. I deeply value this feedback, as it serves as a reminder that growth is a continuous process. Through this experience, I have learned that constructive criticism is essential for personal and professional development. I now cherish opportunities to learn and improve, knowing that each step brings me closer to becoming a better version of myself.
This combination of feedback has taught me the value of seeking different perspectives to grow as an individual. Overall, I have learned that continuous improvement is rooted in embracing criticism and reflecting on how to apply it effectively.
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