This semester I took part in an assignment comprising a number of students working together, as opposed to most of my assignments which I work on alone. This demonstrated my achievement in a specific learning outcome, which was teamwork. Team work can be compared to a soccer game in which everyone plays a part to be the winning team.

Generally speaking, teamwork means doing a project or other kind of work in collaboration with a group of people such as students, to attain a collective goal. This experience gave me a chance to share my commitment and understanding with others to make the project a success. teamwork involves each person using their unique talents and skills to accomplish the target through co-operation, regardless of their differences. It involves working for the good of the team and putting aside individual prominence.

As there are a number of players it means that the tasks that need to be undertaken can be segregated into smaller assignments, and these are delegated to the individuals that they are best suit to, for example: one of the group may be good at IT, another one at research, and so on. As teamwork involves a team of people it means that there can sometimes be clashes of personality, and some members may not agree on others’ suggestions, or the approach which is being taken. Therefore, it is essential that everyone has a positive and constructive attitude, and puts the success of the project first and foremost, thereby avoiding infighting and disputes which can waste valuable time.

I used critical thinking by only researching from a reputable source with referenced evidence, checking the date it was published, the status of the institution and authors, when it was written, comparing different viewpoints, looking at information that was the same or contradictory, looking to see whether there was any bias; as well as using logical reasoning to visualize the evidence and difficulties. I also used teamwork strategies that incited group action towards the project goal such as putting forward workable alternatives to other member’s suggestions, putting all the elements together, and improving certain areas.

I aimed to be innovative by applying putting together and applying knowledge in a unique style by when possible, offering more than one solution to a difficulty, and being able to put forward my views for accepting or not accepting various strategies. I tried to be clear and concise when I communicated my viewpoint, and only brought up points that I could back up with appropriate reputable referenced evidence. I also worked towards the team’s common goal, suggested alternative workable strategies to those that had already been given by other team members, and offered further ideas on the same strategies that had already been given.

With regard to the areas in which I have met my initial goals and those I would like to see further improvement: I found the critical thinking and research aspects easy and enjoyable, although I think that I develop my critical thinking even further with time and practice, and broaden my research options. On the subject of interacting with other team members, I feel that I could sharpen my listening skills, and wait for fellow students to finish their speech before jumping to conclusions, such as dismissing their suggestions right at the beginning. I would also like to sharpen my presentation and communication skills. I have not had much experience in this area before, and know that it is an extremely valuable skill, but I need to dedicate more time to reading my notes and being able to give an overview of what I am bringing to the table in a more confident style. Additionally, as there is so little time to put forward a suggestion, I need to work on making the presentation of my ideas even more concise, and also consider the type of questions that other team members might bring up, so that I have appropriate answers.