Critical reflection

At the start of this course, my primary goal was to enhance my English skills and build confidence in speaking. Reflecting on my progress, I believe I have made meaningful improvements, though there is still room for growth.

Throughout the course, there are articles and lessons provided to think critically. For example, analyzing texts, constructing well-reasoned arguments, and participating in discussions. These exercises have helped me approach problems more analytically and express my thoughts more clearly. Additionally, writing assignments such as Reader's Response and Technical Report have strengthened my ability to structure ideas logically, improving both my written and verbal communication. In terms of speaking, I have gained confidence by actively participating in discussions and presentations. For example the pitch in week 13 has clearly showed me how well I fare in public speaking. While I initially struggled with articulating thoughts fluently, consistent practice has made me more comfortable in the preparation. I have also learned to listen actively, respond thoughtfully, and adapt my speech to different audiences. However, I recognize that I still need to improve on reducing hesitation and improving pronunciation. To further develop my communication and critical thinking skills, I plan to engage in more real-world speaking opportunities. Additionally, I will continue reading and analyzing various texts to refine my ability to think critically. Watching and imitating proficient speakers will also help me improve my fluency and articulation.

Overall, this course has significantly contributed to my development, but I acknowledge that mastery requires ongoing effort. By continuing to challenge myself, I am confident that I will achieve my goal of becoming a more effective and confident communicator. 

Throughout the research report project, I developed a deeper understanding of effective writing techniques that have improved my ability to communicate ideas clearly and concisely. 

One of the most significant lessons I learned was the importance of parallel structure in writing. By ensuring that similar ideas are expressed in a consistent format, I was able to create more structured and coherent arguments. This technique not only improved the readability of my report but also strengthened the logical flow of my ideas, making it easier for readers to follow my key points. Another critical lesson was the need for clarity and conciseness in both written and visual communication. Initially, I tended to include too much information in my slides, believing that more text would make my points clearer. However, through the lessons, I learnt that overcrowded slides can overwhelm the audience, making it difficult for them to grasp the main message. Instead, I learned to prioritize key points and use brief yet impactful wording, ensuring that my presentation was engaging and easy to understand. Additionally, I became more aware of the importance of word choice and sentence structure in conveying complex ideas effectively. Through multiple revisions, I refined my writing by eliminating unnecessary words, rephrasing awkward sentences, and ensuring that my arguments were direct and persuasive. This process helped me develop a more critical eye for editing, a skill that will benefit me in future academic and professional writing.

Overall, this project reinforced the value of writing as a skill that requires careful attention to structure, clarity, and audience engagement. Moving forward, I will continue to apply these techniques to enhance the effectiveness of my writing.