Critical Reflection

Module Learning:

Throughout these 13 weeks, I have made significant progress in improving my communication skills, particularly in speaking up and expressing my thoughts clearly. Initially, I hesitated to voice my opinions in group discussions due to fear of judgment or saying something incorrect. However, taking on the role of a team leader provided me with opportunities to step out of my comfort zone. As a leader, I facilitated discussions, guided decision-making, and ensured that all members’ inputs were considered. This responsibility pushed me to speak more confidently and assertively, helping me overcome some of my initial hesitation.

Another valuable aspect of this module was the frequent rotation into different groups beyond our project teams. Being grouped with classmates I was less familiar with challenged me to step up and communicate more actively. These interactions helped me grow more comfortable speaking in unfamiliar settings and encouraged me to contribute even when I wasn't fully confident, reinforcing the importance of adaptability and open engagement. 

Despite this progress, I still tend to overanalyze how my contributions will be perceived, especially in larger group settings. I realize that this stems from self-doubt and a tendency to focus on others' reactions rather than the value of my input. To overcome this, I need to reframe my mindset by viewing discussions as collaborative rather than judgmental. Additionally, I have learned that effective communication is not just about speaking confidently but also about actively engaging with different perspectives.

Moving forward, I plan to continue refining my communication skills by putting myself in more situations where I am required to speak. Participating in discussions beyond academic settings, such as networking sessions or casual talks, will help me become more comfortable expressing my views while also improving my articulation. Seeking feedback from peers and mentors will provide valuable insights for further growth.

Overall, this module has helped me build confidence in my communication and critical thinking skills. By continuing to challenge my fear of judgment and embracing leadership opportunities, I aim to become a more articulate and self-assured communicator in both academic and professional settings.

Project Learning:

One key area of growth during this project was my development in writing skills. At the start, I was not very confident in my English writing abilities and often felt insecure about expressing technical ideas clearly. I tended to overthink sentence structure and word choices, which slowed down my progress. However, this module gave me a better understanding of how to approach writing more effectively—by focusing on clarity, flow, and audience. I also learned to make full use of generative AI tools, not to write for me, but to support my drafting process, check grammar, and offer suggestions for better phrasing. This boosted my confidence and allowed me to focus more on refining the content and presenting ideas logically.

Working with my group also helped me see how important it is to align our writing styles and tone. Through multiple rounds of review and feedback, I became more open to constructive criticism and more comfortable editing both my own and others’ work. I realized that collaboration in writing is not just about splitting sections, but about making sure everything feels cohesive and serves the project’s objectives.

While preparing for the presentation, I also learned how to condense information effectively and focus on key takeaways rather than repeating everything in the report. Practicing delivery as a team improved our transitions and helped me work on pacing and clarity.

Overall, this project changed my perspective on learning and collaboration. I’ve come to understand that even if I start with self-doubt, skills can be built with the right tools, teamwork, and mindset. Moving forward, I’ll carry these lessons with me by continuing to improve my writing and communication skills while staying open to support and feedback.

Initial Research Pathway:

When I first started this project, I wasn’t aware that smart waste bin technologies already existed. What sparked my interest was seeing the recurring issue of overflowing bins and inefficient collection routines in my daily surroundings. This made me question whether technology could offer a solution. As I began researching, I found that there are indeed smart bins integrated with IoT sensors, GPS tracking, and other advanced features. However, I also discovered that such technologies are not widely adopted, especially in local neighborhoods or across different types of bins. This gap made me want to explore how we could adapt and improve these systems to make a difference in our everyday environments.

One of the challenges I faced was how to frame our idea as innovative, since similar systems already exist. However, through further research, I realized that innovation doesn’t always mean creating something new—it can also mean finding ways to apply existing technology more effectively and accessibly. I used generative AI tools throughout the research process, prompting queries like “problems with current smart bin adoption” and “technological gaps in urban waste management.” These tools helped clarify key barriers such as cost, lack of infrastructure, and limited public awareness.

This experience taught me that meaningful change often starts with noticing problems in our daily life and being motivated to address them—even if it means improving on what already exists.