Critical Reflection

 3.1

At the start of this module, as articulated in my second blog post titled "Descriptive Reflection," I identified two key objectives: to overcome my hesitation in voicing doubts and to effectively apply communication skills in real-world scenarios. These goals aligned with my broader aspiration to engage confidently in discussions and enhance my ability to simplify complex engineering concepts for diverse audiences.

To achieve these objectives, I actively participated in group discussions and presentations, using these platforms to share insights and raise questions, even when uncertain. Initially challenging, these efforts gradually enhanced my confidence in expressing ideas and seeking clarification. Feedback from peers and instructors further refined my communication skills, helping me focus on clarity, conciseness, and audience engagement. I also learned to tailor my explanations of technical concepts to ensure accessibility for varied audiences.

Critical thinking was central to this progress. Reflective exercises and case studies encouraged me to examine problems from multiple perspectives, challenge assumptions, and construct well-supported arguments. This analytical mindset strengthened my decision-making and improved my ability to present logical, substantiated viewpoints.

While I have made significant progress in both communication and critical thinking, I recognize the need for further development. In particular, I still experience moments of hesitation in larger formal settings where discussions can be more intimidating. I plan to attend talks and seminars organized by SIT to observe and learn from experienced speakers. By analyzing their delivery techniques and communication strategies, I aim to incorporate these practices into my own presentations, building confidence and adaptability in professional settings

3.2

In our drone design project, we adopted an asynchronous working model to manage the challenges of handling multiple concurrent projects with different teams. Each team member worked independently, completing assigned tasks with clearly defined deadlines for deliverables. This approach required a high level of discipline, proactive communication, and strong organizational skills to ensure alignment across the project.

As the scribe, I was responsible for consolidating inputs and contributing to the "Proposed Solution," "Benefits," and "Evaluation" sections of the report. For the "Proposed Solution," I synthesized technical details from teammates into a cohesive narrative, emphasizing innovation and practicality. The "Benefits" section showcased the drone’s practical advantages, such as its enhanced stability and efficiency, while the "Evaluation" provided a balanced analysis of strengths and limitations, referencing relevant research to ground our findings. These responsibilities demanded meticulous attention to detail and effective integration of diverse perspectives.

Managing the asynchronous workflow across multiple projects posed unique challenges, such as ensuring consistency and clarity in communication. To address these, we maintained a shared document that tracked updates, detailed annotations, and progress on tasks. Regular feedback loops via messaging apps helped resolve uncertainties and align expectations. This systematic approach allowed us to balance individual workloads and keep progress on track despite the complexity of managing multiple priorities.

This experience highlighted the importance of adaptability, clear communication, and effective use of digital tools in asynchronous teamwork. It deepened my understanding of how to integrate inputs from diverse contributors while managing concurrent responsibilities. Moving forward, I plan to leverage advanced project management tools and establish clearer timelines and check-ins to streamline workflows in future multi-project environments.



*Some portions of this reflection were refined with the assistance of ChatGPT to ensure clarity, coherence, and alignment with academic standards. All content remains a reflection of my personal experiences and insights*

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