My Critical Reflection from UCS1001

At the start of this course, I set two simple goals: to pace my speech better during presentations, and to become a more reliable group member. Looking back, I feel like I’ve grown in ways I didn’t expect. Yes, I did become more aware of how I speak, especially during group discussions and presentations. But more importantly, I started paying attention to how others communicate too, and that helped me reflect on how I show up in a team.

Critical thinking wasn’t entirely new to me, but this course gave me a fresh perspective on it.. Trying to “find a problem” for our group project felt abstract, but once we started examining our own daily frustrations, such as the messy timetable system, things began to click. It made me realise that critical thinking isn’t about being overly analytical—it’s about being curious and observant of the mundane.

This course also helped me learn more about myself. I realised I tend to overthink how I’m perceived when I speak, which actually gets in the way of clear communication. Now, I try to focus more on the message and less on how I sound. I still have a long way to go, but I’ve definitely taken a few steps forward.

Working on the project helped me understand what teamwork really means. Initially, we divided tasks and did our parts. But as we went on, I realised that real collaboration happens when people are honest, listen to each other, and stay open to change. We didn’t always agree, and we had some rough patches with decision-making. But those moments actually brought us closer as a team.

I learned that being a good team member isn’t just about pulling your weight—it’s about being dependable, respectful, and willing to adjust when things don’t go as planned. I also started noticing when someone was quiet or unsure, and I’d check in more. That’s something I never used to do.

What surprised me most was how much I enjoyed solving a problem that actually affected us. It made the whole experience feel more real and personal. I used to think group projects were just about ticking boxes, but now I see them as a chance to grow with others. I’m walking away from this project more confident in my ability to work with people and more aware of how I learn best.