Throughout my Critical Thinking module with Professor Brad Blackstone, I engaged in various tasks that honed my communication skills, analytical abilities, and teamwork. From writing structured responses to delivering oral presentations, each activity provided unique learning opportunities that contributed to my growth. Reflecting on my progress, I have made significant strides in these areas, though there are still aspects I need to refine, particularly my confidence in public speaking.
A key area of development was my writing skills, especially in structuring arguments and presenting ideas coherently. Writing the Reader’s Response was initially challenging as I struggled with organizing my thoughts. However, through feedback and revisions, I refined my arguments, integrated evidence effectively, and maintained clarity. This iterative process highlighted the importance of revision in producing high-quality work. Writing technical reports in both small and large groups reinforced the need for precise, well-structured writing, especially in technical contexts. Working with teammates required coordination to ensure consistency in style and content. Through this, I learned to organize reports logically, apply proper citation techniques, and avoid plagiarism. Additionally, I leveraged AI tools to enhance clarity and make my arguments more concise and professional.
Critical thinking was another essential skill I developed. I learned to analyze arguments by identifying premises, conclusions, and logical connections, which helped me assess information credibility. I also unlearned the tendency to accept information at face value and instead focused on evaluating evidence critically. Moving forward, I aim to apply these skills in real-world engineering contexts, particularly in ethical decision-making and risk assessment.
While I have improved in both written and verbal communication, my biggest challenge remains public speaking. I’ve always had a fear of speaking in front of an audience, often feeling nervous and losing my train of thought. However, through this module, I’ve taken steps to improve. Presenting in front of my classmates forced me out of my comfort zone. Though anxious, I learned to manage my nerves better by preparing thoroughly and practicing. I also became more conscious of my tone, pace, and body language, which helped me deliver my message clearly. Despite this progress, I know I need to work on projecting confidence and handling impromptu speaking situations more effectively.
One of the most transformative aspects of this module was working on a group research project. Writing the research report required balancing individual contributions while maintaining a unified voice. Initially, coordinating ideas was challenging, but I learned that setting deadlines, maintaining open communication, and regularly reviewing work improved efficiency. Trusting teammates and valuing different perspectives strengthened our final report.
The presentation component was especially challenging due to my fear of public speaking. However, thorough preparation and practice made a significant difference. Receiving feedback from peers helped me identify areas for improvement, such as maintaining eye contact and using visual aids effectively. This experience reinforced that public speaking is a skill that can be developed over time, and I am determined to continue working on it.
Looking back, I recognize significant progress in my ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and speech. While there are still areas for improvement, such as refining my presentation delivery, this module has laid a strong foundation. The Critical Thinking module was a challenging yet rewarding experience that significantly improved my writing, analytical, and presentation skills. Most importantly, it helped me confront my fear of public speaking and take the first steps toward improvement. Moving forward, I plan to continue refining these skills, actively seeking opportunities to practice public speaking and apply what I’ve learned in academic and professional settings.
