Module Learning:
At the start of this course, I aimed to improve my ability to express my ideas clearly and confidently, something I struggled with in the past. I often kept quiet in large groups but made a conscious effort to participate in smaller group discussions. Over time, I became more comfortable voicing my opinions and conveying my thoughts clearly.
I also focused on both giving and receiving feedback during oral presentations. I realized that rather than memorizing scripts, I should focus on remembering key points. This change allowed me to present more naturally, which made me feel more confident and better connect with my audience.
Another key skill I developed was maintaining eye contact and managing pacing during presentations. I practiced several times before the actual presentations, which helped me improve my delivery. I also found that visual aids, such as slides, were essential. During mock presentations, I struggled without them, but they helped me stay on track and made it easier for the audience to understand my message.
Through these experiences, I also learned that communication is essential in group settings, as some people may be quieter and need encouragement to speak. I also realized that having fun during a presentation can help engage the audience, a lesson I learned from one of my groupmate.
Project Learning:
For my research project, I focused on improving my presentation skills and simplifying complex ideas. At first, I struggled with organizing my thoughts clearly, but with preparation and practice, I became more confident and engaged my audience better.
I also learned to use ChatGPT effectively for research, allowing me to gather information quickly. Additionally, I gained insights into giving constructive feedback, which helped improve our group discussions and presentations.
I realized that presentations and reports are collaborative efforts, not just individual tasks. We needed to ensure smooth transitions between speakers to avoid awkward pauses and maintain the flow of the presentation. When working on the report, it was important for each team member to contribute clearly to avoid overlap and create a cohesive, well-structured final product.
The project also taught me the value of teamwork. Working with a diverse group allowed us to build on each other’s strengths, and clear communication was key to ensuring everyone contributed effectively. This experience showed me that learning is not just about acquiring knowledge but applying it collaboratively.
The project changed my view of learning, emphasizing the importance of feedback, collaboration, and adaptability in achieving success. These lessons on preparation, communication, and teamwork will continue to guide me in the future.