Speaking and Listening Skills for Academic English
Learn to speak and listen more effectively.
About This Specialization
This specialization covers the listening and speaking skills that non-native English-speaking students need to be successful in English-speaking colleges and universities. Native English-speaking students who would like to increase their chances of success in university courses will also benefit as well anyone interested in improving their listening comprehension skills. You will learn how to listen to class lectures and take notes more effectively. You will also improve your speaking skills for common tasks such as class discussions and presentations. In the capstone, you will create a video presentation on an academic topic.
Created by:
4 courses
Follow the suggested order or choose your own.
Projects
Designed to help you practice and apply the skills you learn.
Certificates
Highlight your new skills on your resume or LinkedIn.
Courses
- Intermediate Specialization.
- Some related experience required.
COURSE 1
Academic Listening and Note-Taking
Current session: Sep 18 — Oct 23.- Commitment
- 4-5 hours/week for 4 weeks
- Subtitles
- English, Chinese (Simplified)
About the Course
This course will help non-native English speakers improve their listening and note-taking skills for the purpose of listening to academic lectures. You will learn techniques for improving your understanding and skills for taking more effective notes, and you will get lots of practice in using these. If you're planning to attend college classes in English, then this class is for you. Upon completing this course, you will be able to: 1. Understand and follow a lecture 2. Take better lecture notes 3. Discuss courses with classmates and professors 4. Give an effective academic presentation 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.COURSE 2
Presentations: Speaking so that People Listen
Upcoming session: Sep 25 — Oct 30.- Commitment
- 3-4 hours/week for 4 weeks
- Subtitles
- English, Chinese (Simplified)
About the Course
Do you have to give presentations in school or at your work? Is it nerve-racking? Then you've come to the right place. Everyone gets a little nervous when they think about having to stand in front of other people and speak intelligently. This course will give you helpful tips for making effective speeches and delivering them well in typical American settings. You'll learn how to organize a presentation, how to make it memorable, and how to communicate clearly. In the course, you'll have several opportunities to demonstrate the presentation skills that you learn. This will help you gain the experience you need to be more confident when you give a speech in an American classroom or on the job. Learners will record several videos of themselves giving assigned presentations and upload the videos for peer feedback. 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.COURSE 3
Academic Discussions in English
Upcoming session: Sep 25 — Oct 30.- Commitment
- 4-5 hours/week for 4 weeks
- Subtitles
- English, Albanian
About the 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.COURSE 4
Advanced Speaking and Listening Project
Upcoming session: Oct 30 — Dec 18.- Commitment
- 3-4 hours/week for 6 weeks
- Subtitles
- English
About the Capstone Project
Learners will present a well-organized academic speech on a topic in an academic field of the learner's choice. The learner will need to recall all of the skills learned in the previous three courses and complete several steps to complete the project. The learner will choose an academic topic and will then need to do some research, interview a couple of experts in the field, create visual elements, and record a video of the presentation. The presenter will use techniques for preparing and practicing a presentation and demonstrate effective verbal and non-verbal skills. Doing this will help prepare you for presentations in school or work.
Creators
Tamy Chapman
Instructor, International Programs
Helen Nam
Instructor
Judy Hu
Instructor, International Programs
Dana Saito-Stehberger
Curriculum Coordinator
Meg Parker
Instructor, International Programs
FAQs
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
