3.2.1
At the beginning of this module, the two main goals for myself was to speak confidently and intelligently without accidentally offending others, and to write emails in a more professional and friendly manner. These goals were motivated by my desire to communicate effectively in the workplace, whether as a team member or a leader. Reflecting on my progress, I believe I have made meaningful improvements in both areas, although there is still room to grow.
Throughout the course, I gained a better understanding of how critical thinking influences communication. I learned to approach conversations with greater awareness of tone, word choice, and the perspectives of others. This has helped me become more intentional in the way I speak, especially in situations that could easily lead to misunderstandings. I have started to slow down, think before I speak, and frame my words in a way that promotes understanding rather than conflict. Although I am not fully confident yet, I have noticed a clear improvement in how I handle group discussions and how I express my thoughts more clearly.
In terms of writing emails, I have developed a habit of reading through my messages after writing to ensure that the details make sense and the content is not too lengthy or difficult to read. I now pay close attention to the structure, clarity, and tone of the email, especially when it comes to maintaining the appropriate level of formality. This practice has helped me write emails that are more effective, professional, and respectful. I also take extra care to ensure my messages are concise and easy to understand, which I believe is an essential aspect of clear communication, whether in the workplace or at school.
To continue improving, I plan to take on more speaking opportunities, such as volunteering to present during group projects or participating in class discussions, so I can build my confidence in expressing ideas clearly. I also intend to actively seek feedback from peers and professors on my communication style, especially after presentations or email exchanges, to identify areas where I can improve. Overall, this module has helped me grow in both communication and critical thinking, and I feel more prepared to apply these skills in real-world situations, whether in academic settings, internships, or future workplace environments.3.2.2
One key focus of our research project was teamwork, and the experience really changed how I think about working with others and learning as a group. At first, I thought teamwork was just about dividing tasks fairly and making sure everything got done on time. But as we worked through the project, I began to see that real teamwork involves much more, it’s about clear communication, being flexible, trusting each other, and sharing responsibility. I realized that misunderstandings are bound to happen, especially in a group with different working styles, and it’s important to talk things through early before they become bigger problems. There were times when we didn’t all agree on what the task required, and instead of waiting for someone else to fix it, I stepped in to help clarify and align everyone. That small action helped keep the group moving smoothly. I also learned something about myself, I tend to hold back when I’m not completely sure about my ideas, and that can slow the group down. This project encouraged me to speak up more and ask questions, even when I’m uncertain, because sometimes that leads to the most useful discussions. I also started to appreciate how each teammate brought different strengths; some were great at research, others at organizing or presenting, and I saw how valuable it is to recognize and support each other’s skills instead of just focusing on our own parts. This experience has really shifted my view of learning; it’s not just about finishing my part but about growing together as a team. Going forward, I hope to keep improving by being a more open, active, and supportive team member, whether in school or at work.
