Module Reflection

Reflecting on my journey through the Critical Thinking & Communicating module, revisiting my initial letter of introduction provides a valuable benchmark against which to measure my progress. At the outset, I articulated specific goals centred on refining my communication abilities and deepening my critical analysis skills, both of which I recognised as essential for my aspirations in civil engineering. Now, having engaged with the module content and undertaken a research project focused on integrating a real-time multi-user system for construction, I can reflect on the extent to which these objectives have been met and identify areas for continued growth.

My initial goals for this module were multifaceted, encompassing improvements in both written and oral communication, as well as the development of stronger critical thinking faculties. Regarding communication, I aimed to master the clear, persuasive, and concise conveyance of complex technical information, particularly to non-technical audiences. The module's emphasis on academic writing, report preparation, and oral presentations has provided a structured framework for developing these skills. Through assignments and in-class activities, I have gained a greater appreciation for the importance of tailoring my communication style to different audiences and the power of structuring information logically to enhance understanding. I have also become more conscious of the need to support my arguments with well-evaluated evidence.   

My critical thinking objectives included enhancing my ability to construct robust arguments, critically evaluate evidence, anticipate counterarguments, and identify logical fallacies and biases. The module content, particularly its focus on analysing scientific and technical texts , has sharpened my analytical skills. Learning about different types of reasoning and common fallacies has made me more aware of the potential pitfalls in my own thinking and the arguments of others. The emphasis on questioning perspectives and challenging assumptions has encouraged a more rigorous and inquisitive approach to information. Furthermore, the module's broader learning outcomes at SIT, such as fostering collaborative environments and using logical reasoning , resonate with my aspirations to excel in team-based engineering projects.  

For my research project, I chose to focus on the integration of a real-time multi-user system in civil engineering. Reflecting on this experience, particularly concerning teamwork skills, has been insightful. The project inherently required a collaborative approach, even if the research itself was primarily individual. Understanding the potential of real-time systems to enhance collaboration among distributed teams highlighted the critical role of clear communication and shared understanding in such environments.  

Through the process of researching and proposing this system, I learnt the importance of clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of each user within the platform to ensure efficient teamwork. I also recognised the need for establishing clear communication protocols within the system to facilitate seamless information exchange and problem-solving. The research reinforced the idea that technology, while powerful, is only effective when underpinned by well-defined teamwork strategies and open communication. I realised that simply implementing a real-time system is not enough; careful consideration must be given to how team members will interact with the technology and with each other to maximise its benefits. This project has changed my perspective by emphasising that effective teamwork in modern civil engineering relies not only on individual skills but also on the strategic use of technology to foster collaboration and communication.

While this module has provided a strong foundation in critical thinking and communication, I recognise that continuous improvement is essential. Moving forward, I aim to actively seek opportunities to apply the principles learnt in this module in my other coursework and practical experiences. I will focus on consciously structuring my written and oral communication to be clear, concise, and persuasive, and I will continue to hone my analytical skills by questioning assumptions and evaluating evidence rigorously. In team projects, I will strive to foster open communication and ensure that all members have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. The insights gained from my research project have highlighted the potential of technology to enhance collaboration, and I am eager to explore further how real-time multi-user systems can be effectively implemented to improve teamwork and project outcomes in the field of civil engineering.