Reflection on Team-based Project Proposal

Everyone would probably be required to draft at least a project proposal when we go out to work some day. It is a formal written report where it allows the expression of ideas to other people.

For my group, overall our preparation for this proposal was quite smooth with no major disagreements among the group-mates. For the proposal, we were told to identify a problem in Singapore and provide solutions to the main problem. We quickly narrowed down to two topics: Biodiversity and Arts & Culture, both of which we felt that Singapore was not doing very well. Because our group had more knowledge about biodiversity in Singapore due to the relevant modules we took in NUS, we immediately chose the topic on biodiversity and more specifically the public's low awareness of biodiversity loss. After the first meeting, we decided to split the work into different parts and collate our parts together for edits for our subsequent meetings. We felt that this is an efficient way of drafting out our proposal rather than us having to meet many times and work on only one part during each meeting. I personally completed my part of the proposal rather early since I do not have the habit of doing work at the last minute. I was glad I finished early due to the many piling assignments I have for other modules. 

While preparing our slides for oral presentation, similarly the work was divided into few sections and allocated to everyone. I was in-charge of delivering the introduction to the problem and thus I decided to use content I have learnt from the oral presentation class such as presenting both world and local statistics in our introduction to grab the attention our audience and also to use repetition to reiterate our problem. Preparing our scripts for the oral presentation was slightly tricky, because it was quite tough to phrase in a way that is very persuading. Nevertheless, with planning and discussion with our fellow group-mates, we were able to plan our delivery speeches well and hoped that we would be able to deliver it well during our actual presentation.

On the day of the presentation, everyone was nervous as usual but knowing that this would be our final chance to present ourselves in front of our peers and tutor, we were quite motivated to do our best. I was glad that everything went on quite smoothly during the presentation and the audience understood our proposal well. Comments by the tutor during the peer teaching presentation greatly help me in preparing for this oral presentation. I did project my voice louder and hand gestures definitely benefits me in terms of delivery even though there were several instances of stammering. Overall I felt that I had done well up to my personal expectations. 

I felt that teamwork and empathy was played well in this group. Everyone had the chance to voice out their ideas and opinions during our project meetings and every opinion was taken into consideration. I have learnt that it is very important to welcome other people's ideas and not only restricting ourselves to a certain idea. Accepting others opinions actually helps a lot during the planning process. There wasn't any major conflicting ideas and I have to admit, it was pleasant experience working with this group.