At the beginning of this module, I set myself some goals which are being able to filter the significant and relevant information for reports and be a critical thinker. As the module comes to an end, I believe that i have not only achieved my goals but also was able to unlearn the bad habits that I have developed over the years. I am thankful to be under the guidance of Professor Brad whom not only taught me new concepts of being a critical thinker but also nurture to be a better at identifying my areas of weakness.
Some of the topics covered in the module such as learning to write a technical report and conducting peer reviews has taught me not only to be a critical thinker but be more verse in report writing too. Following the Paul Elder’s framework has given me new insights on how to analyse and solve problems. With reference to the benchmarks of the intellectual standards, I am able to comprehend and have a stronger understanding of the issue at hand. As previously, whenever I’m faced with a problem, I would tend to ask myself too many questions on what is the issue about or how I would go about it. Moreover, I have been told that the questions that i would think about, are the wrong or the redundant questions that would not help me to find a solution to the problem. The intellectual standards are a guide for me to keep myself on track and also be able to come up with an unbiased reasoning to the argument. Lastly, the biggest takeaway I got from this module, is having the ability to give good criticism while receiving criticism from others. I believe that being able to give good criticism is important as that not only test your knowledge on the topic that is discussed but also am able to analyse someone’s work critically and learn from their mistakes. As it is a two way traffic, the ability to take criticism is as important too as it does not only help to identify your mistakes but it is a valuable learning curve that is tailored to your own individual weaknesses.
In the later part of the module, I was teamed up into a group to write a technical report and give a presentation about the content of the report. During this process, the takeaway that I had was learning about the different working styles each member brought to the team. As each one of us had different working habits, I was able to learn and observe each one of them whether its about how to start the project or how the discussions during the meetings are. During the discussions, it was an eye opener for me as I have realised that I tend to be the one who drives the meeting into a certain direction while the rest would take a passive stance and wait for someone to lead. From this experience alone, I learnt that I should give others the mantle to lead to have a common understanding and let others to shine to have an effective and clear channels of communication between on another.
In conclusion, although I have brought back many useful takeaways from this module, my next step for myself is to not only stop there but continue to further improve my skills in critical thinking and effective communications. Watching or attending large conference presentations such as TEDx are one of the ways I planned to help me further hone my skills in presentation. Incorporating the analytical skills of a critical thinker in my daily life, will allow me to practise the concepts i have learnt and have a better grasp of understanding of what it is to be a critical thinker.
