Critical Reflection

3.2.1 Module Learning

At the beginning of this course, one of my main objectives was to enhance my research and critical thinking skills while also improving my ability to communicate effectively. As the leader of the team, I found myself guiding the group through the project and taking on various responsibilities to ensure we met our goals. Over the course of the module, I have learned a great deal about critical thinking, particularly in how to conduct research, analyze sources, and present findings in a clear and precise manner.

One of the key skills I developed was the ability to be more meticulous with my work. I gained a stronger understanding of how to research efficiently, evaluate sources for credibility, and cite references properly in APA format. This ability to synthesize information from multiple sources and present it coherently has significantly improved my academic work.

Moreover, I recognized the importance of communication within the team. As the leader, I ensured that everyone understood the objectives and stayed on track, but I also faced challenges. There were differences in how team members preferred to approach writing and presenting, which caused some confusion and delays. This experience highlighted the importance of aligning expectations and communication styles early on in a project. I’ve learned that, without clear communication, a team’s progress can be hindered.

To improve in the future, I would take the initiative to ensure that everyone is on the same page before the project even begins. In the next project, I plan to organize an early discussion where we can clarify everyone’s strengths and preferences for working together. Additionally, I will make a conscious effort to engage more actively in discussions and present ideas clearly, which will further enhance both my communication and leadership skills.

3.2.2 Project Learning 

For our research project on the Microsoft HoloLens 2, I focused on improving my presentation skills, an area where I previously felt less confident. I learned that the key to delivering a great presentation is not just the content but how you present it. Throughout this experience, I came to understand that I, as the presenter, am the main focus. The slides are simply tools to support my message, but it’s my job to engage the audience and bring the content to life.

I realized that effective presentations require more than just good slides; they demand engagement with the audience, strong body language, and a confident, energetic delivery. I learned the importance of making eye contact, speaking with enthusiasm, and using a confident posture to convey my message. Adding hooks at the beginning of the presentation and creating interesting transitions helped keep the audience engaged, ensuring they stayed focused on the key points I was making.

I also understood that, as the main focus of the presentation, I need to manage the energy in the room. A presentation isn’t just about sharing information; it’s about making an impact and keeping the audience engaged throughout. This experience has taught me how crucial it is to connect with the viewers and hold their attention, rather than relying solely on the slides.

Through this project, I learned that delivering a presentation is as much about the delivery as it is about the content. In the future, I plan to focus even more on developing my public speaking skills, particularly on engaging the audience right from the start and maintaining that engagement until the end. I will continue refining my presentation techniques, ensuring I convey my message with clarity and confidence.