UCS Critical Reflection

At the start of this module, my primary goals were to make more informed and rational decisions through critical thinking, and to embrace the processes of learning, unlearning, and relearning. Overall, I believe I made significant progress toward achieving these goals, although there is still room for improvement. For the reader’s response report, where I wrote about Porsche’s engine, I was deeply passionate about the topic—perhaps too passionate. I ended up writing the report the way I wanted it to be and how I thought it should be, which caused me to stray from the actual requirements of the task. This experience ties closely to the concepts of unlearning and relearning. I need to recognize and unlearn the tendency to let enthusiasm overshadow focus. Passion for a subject is important, but if the energy and effort are not directed appropriately, the results may not reflect the effort invested. I’ve also realized that everyone’s ideal outcome differs. The goal isn’t to achieve perfection but to learn to be adaptable and accommodative. Striving for perfection can sometimes be counterproductive, even toxic, and can strain relationships. This is closely tied to communication—not just in group projects, but in life overall. Additionally, I recognize the need to improve my presentation skills. I tend to experience stage fright, but I found that practicing and conducting mock presentations helped reduce my anxiety, which was a strategy I used before the actual presentation. Finally, I’ve come to see critical thinking as more than just a skill—it’s a lifestyle and a conscious choice. How you approach anything reflects how you approach everything, and critical thinking can be applied to every aspect of life.

Reflecting on our research project focused on the smart suspension system for e-mountain bikes, I gained valuable insights into teamwork and collaborative learning. Initially, we struggled with delegating tasks, as differing perspectives and varied levels of background knowledge, including personal experience with mountain biking, influenced how we approached the project. These differences initially made it challenging to align on a cohesive plan. However, we learned to trust each other’s strengths, enabling us to take on sections of the report where we felt most confident. This trust-building improved our efficiency and reduced tension within the group. A major focus for us was ensuring the report flowed cohesively, as having four distinct writers with unique styles posed a challenge. Through careful observation of each other’s work and open communication, we aligned our contributions to create a unified document. I realized that effective teamwork depends heavily on clear communication and constructive feedback, which became vital in resolving issues and improving the overall quality of our work. This project also underscored the iterative nature of learning—embracing trial and error as essential steps to progress while accepting that perfection is unlikely in the first draft. Moving forward, I will apply these lessons in academic and professional settings, emphasizing empathy, clear communication, and openness to feedback. This experience fundamentally shifted my perspective on learning, demonstrating that collaboration not only enhances individual growth but is also critical for addressing complex, real-world challenges effectively.