About this course: This is the third course in the Learn English: Advanced Speaking and Listening specialization. In this class you will learn about different types of conversations you will have in academic settings. You will also learn some strategies for helping you understand other people's meaning and for helping you express yourself effectively. Learners will record several videos of themselves participating in assigned group discussions with their own friends and upload the videos for peer feedback. While this might seem intimidating, it will be a great opportunity for you to practice and improve your discussion skills. Please note that the free version of this class gives you access to all of the instructional videos and handouts. The peer feedback and quizzes are only available in the paid version.
Created by: University of California, Irvine
Taught by: Tamy Chapman, Instructor, International Programs
University of California Irvine Division of Continuing Education
Taught by: Meg Parker, Instructor, International Programs
University of California Irvine Extension
Taught by: Helen Nam, Instructor
International Programs, UCI Extension
| Basic Info | Course 3 of 4 in the Learn English: Advanced Academic Speaking and Listening Specialization |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Commitment | 4-5 hours/week for 4 weeks |
| Language | English, Subtitles: Albanian |
| Hardware Req | You will create videos of yourself using a smartphone, webcam, or videocamera to share for feedback. |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
Introduction to Discussions
This is the third course in the Learn English: Advanced Speaking and Listening specialization. In this class you will learn about different types of conversations you will have in academic settings. You will also learn some strategies for helping you understand other people's meaning and for helping you express yourself effectively. This first module will show you the importance of effective academic conversational English. You'll see how it is different from other conversational English and why it is necessary to make you successful in college environments. Finally, you'll do a video assignment in which you record yourself in a group discussion. You'll submit this video for feedback on your discussion techniques.
7 videos, 6 readings, 3 practice quizzes
- Video: Welcome
- Video: Meet the Teacher
- Peer Review: Introduce Yourself
- Reading: Important Messages
- Video: Week 1 Introduction
- Video: Discussions Overview Lecture
- Practice Quiz: Discussions Practice Quiz
- Video: Preparing for Discussions Lecture
- Reading: Preparing for Academic Discussions Practice
- Video: Getting Started Lecture
- Practice Quiz: Getting Started Practice Quiz
- Video: Vocabulary Lecture
- Reading: Vocabulary Practice
- Reading: Discussion Analysis Part 1
- Reading: Discussion Analysis Part 2
- Practice Quiz: Discussion Analysis Practice
- Discussion Prompt: How to Make a Video
- Reading: Discussion Assignment Directions
- Discussion Prompt: Find Others to Do Your Assignment With
Graded: Discussion Assignment Peer Review
Graded: Graded Quiz
WEEK 2
Elaboration
This week, you'll learn about the importance of elaborating in a conversation and learn to avoid some common problems that occur when elaboration doesn't happen. You'll learn several ways to add examples to your discussions and how to use critical thinking to take make your discussions go deeper. Again, you will have the chance to practice having a group discussion and to submit a video of it for feedback.
4 videos, 5 readings, 3 practice quizzes
- Video: Week 2 Introduction
- Video: Elaboration Lecture
- Reading: Elaboration Activity
- Video: Examples Lecture
- Practice Quiz: Examples Practice Quiz
- Video: Going Deeper Lecture
- Practice Quiz: Going Deeper Practice Quiz
- Reading: Vocabulary Practice
- Reading: Discussion Analysis Part 1
- Reading: Discussion Analysis Part 2
- Practice Quiz: Discussion Analysis Practice
- Reading: Discussion Assignment Directions
- Discussion Prompt: Find Others to Do Your Assignment With
Graded: Discussion Assignment Peer Review
Graded: Graded Quiz
WEEK 3
Interaction
Now, you'll learn how to maintain a smooth discussion by avoiding common problems with interaction and participation. You'll also learn how to listen to other speakers' ideas and learn how to agree or disagree with others in your discussion. Once again, you will be able to practice having a group discussion, and you will record and share the video with other learners.
3 videos, 4 readings, 4 practice quizzes
- Video: Interaction Lecture
- Practice Quiz: Interaction Practice Quiz
- Video: Constructing Conversation Lecture
- Practice Quiz: Constructing Conversation Practice Quiz
- Video: Agreeing and Disagreeing Lecture
- Practice Quiz: Agreeing and Disagreeing Practice Activity
- Reading: Vocabulary Practice
- Reading: Discussion Analysis Part 1
- Reading: Discussion Analysis Part 2
- Practice Quiz: Discussion Analysis Practice
- Reading: Discussion Assignment Directions
- Discussion Prompt: Find Others to Do Your Assignment With
Graded: Discussion Assignment Peer Review
Graded: Graded Quiz
WEEK 4
Synthesis
In the final week, you will learn how to synthesize the ideas in your discussions and how to come up with meaningful take-aways and action points. You'll also learn how to reflect on the important points in a discussion so that the whole thing is meaningful. You will get one more chance to demonstrate your discussion skills and get feedback by sharing a video of your discussion.
3 videos, 5 readings, 3 practice quizzes
- Video: Synthesis Lecture
- Practice Quiz: Synthesis Practice Quiz
- Video: Wrapping Up Lecture
- Practice Quiz: Wrapping Up Practice Quiz
- Video: Reflecting on the Course Lecture
- Peer Review: Reflecting on the Course Practice Activity
- Reading: Vocabulary Practice
- Reading: Discussion Analysis Part 1
- Reading: Discussion Analysis Part 2
- Practice Quiz: Discussion Analysis Practice
- Reading: Discussion Assignment Directions
- Discussion Prompt: Find Others to Do Your Assignment With
- Reading: Learn More
Graded: Discussion Assignment Peer Review
Graded: Graded Quiz
FAQs
How It Works
Coursework
Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.
Help from Your Peers
Connect with thousands of other learners and debate ideas, discuss course material, and get help mastering concepts.
Certificates
Earn official recognition for your work, and share your success with friends, colleagues, and employers.
Creators
University of California, Irvine
Since 1965, the University of California, Irvine has combined the strengths of a major research university with the bounty of an incomparable Southern California location. UCI’s unyielding commitment to rigorous academics, cutting-edge research, and leadership and character development makes the campus a driving force for innovation and discovery that serves our local, national and global communities in many ways.
Pricing
| Audit | Purchase Course | |
|---|---|---|
| Access to course materials | Available | Available |
| Access to graded materials | Not available | Available |
| Receive a final grade | Not available | Available |
| Earn a shareable Course Certificate | Not available | Available |
Ratings and Reviews
I like the way it's presented.
Great course and very great exercises
Coursera provides universal access to the world’s best education, partnering with top universities and organizations to offer courses online.
© 2017 Coursera Inc. All rights reserved.
SA
This course teaches us tips of effective and constructive way of discussing !