Full course description
Start Date
August 25, 2025
Price
$360
Credential
Badge
Length
3 months
Commitment
30-50 hours
Format
Synchronous
Academic Listening and Speaking
Course Description
The Academic Listening and Speaking course is designed to help students develop the foundational skills needed for effective oral communication and comprehension in academic settings. Students will practice listening for main ideas and supporting details in academic audio materials, apply basic note-taking strategies, and participate in structured discussions with appropriate responses. The course also focuses on organizing and delivering short presentations, improving speaking fluency, building confidence, and refining pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation to enhance clarity and engagement in academic communication.
Learning Objectives
- Understand and analyze academic lectures using active listening strategies.
- Use note-taking techniques to organize lecture information effectively.
- Engage in academic conversations and discussions using appropriate language.
- Express ideas clearly and persuasively in structured settings.
- Participate effectively in academic discussions.
- Build confidence in speaking and improve fluency.
- Practice pronunciation and intonation for clearer communication.
- Interpret speaker tone, attitude, and implied meaning.
Target Learner
This course is designed for learners at the beginning of the B2 level (upper-intermediate) on the CEFR scale who are preparing for academic study in an English-medium environment. These students typically:
- Can understand the main ideas of academic lectures and discussions delivered in clear, standard English, especially when the topics are familiar or contextualized.
- Can participate in structured discussions and express opinions with some fluency, but may struggle with hesitation, repetition, and self-correction.
- May find it challenging to follow fast-paced or nuanced speech, take effective notes, or respond appropriately in spontaneous academic conversations.
- Are working toward greater accuracy and fluency in organizing and delivering short oral presentations, improving pronunciation, and using appropriate academic vocabulary.
Common learner profiles include:
- International students in an intensive English program (IEP) preparing for conditional or full admission into undergraduate or graduate programs
- Learners who have completed B1-level general English courses and are now transitioning to more academically focused skills
- Students preparing for standardized English proficiency exams (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL) who need additional practice in oral communication and lecture comprehension
- Exchange or visiting students participating in academic seminars, group projects, and classroom presentations in English
Related Courses
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Meet the Course Developers
Lan Vu
Assistant Director of International and Intercultural Education