Learning Portfolio

Module Learning

At the beginning of the Critical Thinking and Communicating module, I had one primary objective in mind: to improve my ability to communicate with others. However, as the course progressed, I came to realize that it offered much more than I had anticipated. I gained a deeper understanding of the intricacies of Critical Thinking and Communication, which has been invaluable to me.

Initially, I underestimated the module and overestimated my abilities. But, with the help of Professor Blackstone, I was able to unlearn my old habits and develop new skills. Two of the most valuable skills I learned were communicating effectively with my team and presenting without a script. I have always struggled with communicating with others due to my anxiety around people. The thought of delivering a presentation in front of an audience made me even more anxious. However, Professor Blackstone helped me create an environment where I could express my thoughts and concerns without fear of judgment. His classes instilled a great deal of confidence in me, which allowed me to concentrate on the task at hand. Through reading and consulting the instructional units in the Google Drive provided by Professor Blackstone, I gained a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively structure a summary reader response by utilizing the skills of ethical paraphrasing, summarizing, and citing sources.

I have come to realize that to improve my communication and critical thinking skills, I need to gather and analyze relevant information objectively by questioning assumptions, examining key aspects, and narrowing down possible solutions. It's essential to not only identify the ideal solution but also to explain it clearly and understandably. I can demonstrate my use of critical thinking by providing supporting evidence to strengthen my argument and further improve my skills.

Overall, the Critical Thinking and Communicating module has been an eye-opening experience that has provided me with the tools I need to be an effective communicator and critical thinker. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have taken this course, and I look forward to applying what I've learned in my personal and professional life.

Project Learning

At the start of the project, I had reservations about myself and the team's ability to work together as we were all strangers. However, we quickly got to know each other, and eventually, we understood what we needed to do for the report. We decided to focus on edible food containers as our manufacturing technology or process design and proposed modifications for improvement and innovation.

This project provided me with crucial insights into presenting, writing, and teamwork. I learned that working collaboratively in a team can be both enjoyable and challenging, requiring us to support each other and bring out the best in everyone. Initially, I believed that working in a team would be a disadvantage as it would require us to spend extra time outside of class to plan and execute the report. However, this experience taught me that collaborating with others can result in better outcomes than working alone. I discovered that working in a team can lead to a more comprehensive and thoughtful end product because of the diverse perspectives and approaches that each team member brings to the table.

Through this project, I also developed a sense of accountability and motivation to contribute my best effort to the group. The research aspect of the project was particularly enlightening, as it introduced me to the practicality of edible food products and their value. Overall, this project was a valuable learning experience that taught me the importance of teamwork and how it can benefit both me and the group as a whole. It has made me realize that working with others can expand my knowledge and provide me with the opportunity to learn from other people's experiences. Additionally, teamwork has taught me how to communicate effectively with others and respect other people's opinions, which is a valuable life skill in any profession.