University of California, Irvine

Academic Discussions in English

Meg Parker
Tamy Chapman
Helen Nam

Instructors: Meg Parker

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.6

(124 reviews)

Intermediate level
Some related experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 24 hours
Learn at your own pace
96%
Most learners liked this course
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.6

(124 reviews)

Intermediate level
Some related experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 24 hours
Learn at your own pace
96%
Most learners liked this course

Details to know

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Assessments

17 assignments

Taught in English

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This course is part of the Learn English: Advanced Academic Speaking and Listening Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 4 modules in 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. 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.

What's included

7 videos6 readings4 assignments2 peer reviews2 discussion prompts

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.

What's included

4 videos5 readings4 assignments1 peer review1 discussion prompt

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.

What's included

3 videos4 readings5 assignments1 peer review1 discussion prompt

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.

What's included

3 videos5 readings4 assignments2 peer reviews1 discussion prompt

Instructors

Instructor ratings
4.5 (18 ratings)
Tamy Chapman
University of California, Irvine
22 Courses1,514,938 learners

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Learner reviews

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4.6

124 reviews

  • 5 stars

    74.19%

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    15.32%

  • 3 stars

    5.64%

  • 2 stars

    1.61%

  • 1 star

    3.22%

MR
5

Reviewed on May 5, 2021

EA
5

Reviewed on Sep 15, 2020

NQ
5

Reviewed on Jul 23, 2019

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