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Academic Discussions in English

Academic Discussions in English

This course is part of Learn English: Advanced Academic Speaking and Listening Specialization

Instructors: Meg Parker

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4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

129 reviews

Intermediate level

Some related experience required

Flexible schedule

2 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

95%

Most learners liked this course

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

129 reviews

Intermediate level

Some related experience required

Flexible schedule

2 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

95%

Most learners liked this course

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

17 assignments¹

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Taught in English

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This course is part of the Learn English: Advanced Academic Speaking and Listening 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. 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.

Module details

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

7 videosTotal 25 minutes

Welcome2 minutes
Meet the Teacher1 minute
Week 1 Introduction1 minute
Discussions Overview Lecture4 minutes
Preparing for Discussions Lecture5 minutes
Getting Started Lecture5 minutes
Vocabulary Lecture6 minutes

6 readingsTotal 205 minutes

Important Messages5 minutes
Preparing for Academic Discussions Practice20 minutes
Vocabulary Practice60 minutes
Discussion Analysis Part 130 minutes
Discussion Analysis Part 230 minutes
Discussion Assignment Directions60 minutes

4 assignmentsTotal 98 minutes

Graded Quiz30 minutes
Discussions Practice Quiz8 minutes
Getting Started Practice Quiz30 minutes
Discussion Analysis Practice30 minutes

2 peer reviewsTotal 40 minutes

Discussion Assignment Peer Review30 minutes
Introduce Yourself10 minutes

2 discussion promptsTotal 20 minutes

How to Make a Video10 minutes
Find Others to Do Your Assignment With10 minutes

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

4 videosTotal 21 minutes

Week 2 Introduction1 minute
Elaboration Lecture6 minutes
Examples Lecture8 minutes
Going Deeper Lecture7 minutes

5 readingsTotal 180 minutes

Elaboration Activity20 minutes
Vocabulary Practice60 minutes
Discussion Analysis Part 120 minutes
Discussion Analysis Part 220 minutes
Discussion Assignment Directions60 minutes

4 assignmentsTotal 120 minutes

Graded Quiz30 minutes
Examples Practice Quiz30 minutes
Going Deeper Practice Quiz30 minutes
Discussion Analysis Practice30 minutes

1 peer reviewTotal 30 minutes

Discussion Assignment Peer Review30 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 10 minutes

Find Others to Do Your Assignment With10 minutes

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

3 videosTotal 19 minutes

Interaction Lecture7 minutes
Constructing Conversation Lecture5 minutes
Agreeing and Disagreeing Lecture7 minutes

4 readingsTotal 160 minutes

Vocabulary Practice60 minutes
Discussion Analysis Part 120 minutes
Discussion Analysis Part 220 minutes
Discussion Assignment Directions60 minutes

5 assignmentsTotal 126 minutes

Graded Quiz30 minutes
Interaction Practice Quiz30 minutes
Constructing Conversation Practice Quiz30 minutes
Agreeing and Disagreeing Practice Activity6 minutes
Discussion Analysis Practice30 minutes

1 peer reviewTotal 30 minutes

Discussion Assignment Peer Review30 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 10 minutes

Find Others to Do Your Assignment With10 minutes

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.