Critical Reflection

Before Attending the Module:

Upon learning that I would be taking a communication module, or as I like to call it, an "English Module," I felt neutral about it. I had no strong expectations since I had already taken a similar module at Nanyang Polytechnic. However, I kept an open mind, ready to engage with the new content and experiences this module would offer.

During the Module:

As the first few lessons progressed, one of the assignments required us to share our goals for the course—both short-term goals during the module and long-term goals after completing it. The first goal I set was to develop a more concise way of thinking so I could effectively communicate my points. I feel I have made significant progress, as I now take more time to carefully consider the question and mentally structure my answer before speaking, whether to Professor Blackstone or my classmates. Additionally, actively participating in class discussions allowed me to gauge how well my points were being received through facial reactions, both from my classmates and Professor Blackstone. A puzzled face often signaled that I hadn’t communicated my thoughts clearly, which is something I plan to continue working on.

My second goal was to enhance my presentation skills, enabling me to deliver engaging and effective presentations to both small and large audiences. From the dry runs with my group project teammates to the actual presentation day, I am pleased with how I performed. I can now confidently present to an audience, and I was able to deliver an impactful presentation. Afterward, I took note of the feedback provided by both my classmates and Professor Blackstone, and I will certainly use this constructive feedback to improve in future presentations.

Beyond just the goals, I gained valuable insights from this module that I know will benefit me in the long run. Each lesson was impactful and relevant to my personal and professional development.

Project Learning:

I am no stranger to team-project-based assignments and leadership roles, so I felt comfortable when I was assigned to my group. When I first teamed up with Kok How and Khad, it didn’t feel awkward to interact with them; it felt natural to take the lead in discussions. We pitched our ideas, and I was excited to hear theirs because they brought new perspectives that I hadn’t considered. One of the things I really appreciate about group settings is the chance to gain new insights from others that I wouldn’t have thought of on my own.

After some discussion, we decided to move forward with my idea, and that’s when the real work began. We brainstormed the desirability, feasibility, and viability of the idea, as well as the ideal, gap, and goal. We also worked together on the problem and purpose statement.

I tend to let others voice their opinions first before sharing my own, and I always seek feedback because I know that whatever I have in mind can be improved. Delegating tasks to my teammates in preparation for the presentation worked out smoothly, and the end result was a strong presentation. Afterward, preparing the technical report was straightforward, as we just needed to transfer our research from the presentation into the report.

Despite being a 3-man group, I’m proud of how our group performed both in the presentation and the report. I was impressed by Kok How's research abilities and Khad’s proficiency in English and her skills with presentation slide editing. I couldn’t have asked for better groupmates.

Reflecting on the project, the main takeaway for me is that I could have been better prepared for the presentation. This is an area where I know I can improve in future projects.

Module Conclusion:

In conclusion, these 13 weeks with Professor Blackstone and my classmates have been incredibly rewarding. I want to thank Professor Blackstone for being a passionate and understanding teacher. The knowledge I’ve gained throughout this module will definitely prove valuable throughout my life.