Critical reflection

1) At the beginning of this engineering communication module, I set two primary goals, to overcome my fear of speaking in front of large audiences and to develop professional report-writing skills. Reflecting on my journey, I am proud to say that I have made significant progress in both areas, gaining valuable skills that will be essential for my future career. One of the most notable achievements during this module was building confidence in public speaking. Initially, I found it difficult to articulate my thoughts clearly and manage nervousness when presenting to an audience. However, through consistent practice, reading aloud, class activities, and constructive peer feedback, I learned to deliver presentations with clarity and poise. The final presentation, in particular, highlighted my growth as I was able to engage effectively with the audience and communicate complex ideas confidently. Additionally, this module greatly enhanced my report-writing skills. Learning to structure ideas logically and present technical information concisely allowed me to create professional documents. Exercises such as constructing problem and purpose statements, as well as developing research using APA 7th Edition formatting, were especially impactful. These experiences improved my ability to organize information systematically and strengthened my critical thinking skills. For instance, while ideating on a mechanical component and addressing its flaws, I developed a more analytical approach to solving problems and ensuring the accuracy of every detail. This journey, though challenging at times, was made more rewarding by the collaborative environment fostered by my peers and professor. Working in groups allowed me to hone interpersonal communication skills and benefit from diverse perspectives. These interactions also enhanced my teamwork and problem-solving abilities, preparing me to work effectively in professional settings. In conclusion, this module has been a transformative experience. It has helped me grow into a confident communicator and critical thinker, equipping me with skills that will undoubtedly contribute to my aspirations and future success.

2) The research project in this module had a significant impact on my learning, particularly during the ideation phase for the mechanical device we worked on. This stage was crucial as it tested our teamwork skills, especially when different opinions emerged within the group. I learned the importance of balancing perspectives and the value of giving and taking when considering others’ ideas. A key life skill I developed was understanding the need to support my arguments with solid evidence. Strong evidence not only makes points more convincing but also fosters trust and collaboration among teammates. This lesson extended to presentations, where statistics and figures are essential for helping the audience understand and believe in your points. Additionally, the report-writing skills I gained through my professor’s lessons were invaluable. They taught me how to articulate my thoughts more clearly, enabling better communication of complex topics. I also discovered my ability to use tone effectively, whether to emphasise key points or convey empathy, which helps build a stronger connection with the audience. Furthermore, I realised I have a talent for bridging gaps between differing opinions by finding common ground, which improved group dynamics and decision-making. Through this project, I also learned to appreciate the unique strengths of each team member. Recognising and utilising others’ skills allowed us to elevate our project to a higher standard. This experience motivated me to build stronger relationships with those I work with and reinforced the importance of engineering communication. Effective communication enables engineers to convey their ideas professionally, ensuring clarity and understanding among diverse audiences.