Academic Discussions in English

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/academic-discussion-english

Introduction

# Course Review: Academic Discussions in English on Coursera ## Overview The **Academic Discussions in English** course is an integral part of the Learn English: Advanced Speaking and Listening specialization offered on Coursera. Aimed at non-native English speakers who are looking to elevate their academic communication skills, this course provides an insightful and practical approach to mastering different types of discussions you may encounter in academic settings. Throughout the curriculum, learners engage in various interactive assignments that not only focus on understanding and participating in discussions but also emphasize effective expression and comprehension strategies. An exciting aspect of this course is the incorporation of peer feedback, which enhances the learning experience and fosters a collaborative environment among learners. ## Course Structure and Syllabus Highlights ### Module 1: Introduction to Discussions The course kicks off with an essential introduction to academic conversations. This module lays the foundation by differentiating academic English from general conversational English. Learners are introduced to various types of discussions and the critical strategies needed to navigate these exchanges effectively. A video assignment empowers learners to record their group discussions and solicit constructive feedback on their performance, making this segment both theoretical and experiential. ### Module 2: Elaboration In the second week, the focus shifts to the art of elaboration. Learners explore why elaboration is crucial for meaningful exchanges in academic discourse. The course provides actionable strategies for enhancing conversations through examples and encourages the application of critical thinking. Again, learners practice through collaborative discussions and subsequent video submissions, fostering growth through ongoing feedback. ### Module 3: Interaction As discussions progress, this module emphasizes interaction and participation. It teaches learners how to actively listen, agree, or disagree respectfully, thus maintaining a smooth conversational flow. This segment is particularly valuable as it addresses common pitfalls that participants often encounter in group discussions. The practical component ensures that learners can apply these skills real-time, with opportunities for recording and sharing their progress. ### Module 4: Synthesis The final week centers on synthesis, teaching learners to distill important points from their discussions and to formulate meaningful conclusions and action points. Reflection on discussions is discussed, ensuring that learners develop the ability to engage in discussions that are not only insightful but also impactful. A final video assignment allows students to showcase their refined skills, culminating in constructive peer feedback. ## Course Benefits 1. **Targeted Learning**: The course meticulously targets the nuances of academic discussions, making it perfect for students or professionals involved in academic environments. 2. **Interactive Approach**: Utilizing video assignments and peer feedback promotes active participation, a crucial element in language acquisition. 3. **Practical Skills Development**: Each module is designed to build essential communication skills iteratively, ensuring learners are well-prepared for real-world academic interactions. 4. **Constructive Feedback**: The peer review process offers invaluable insights, allowing learners to refine their techniques and address specific areas needing improvement. ## Recommendation I highly recommend the **Academic Discussions in English** course for anyone looking to enhance their academic conversation skills in English. Whether you're a student preparing for university studies or a professional seeking to improve your academic discussions, this course provides a comprehensive approach tailored to meet your needs. The combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application, complemented by peer feedback, establishes a dynamic learning environment ideal for developing fluency and confidence in academic settings. Enrolling in this course will not only improve your speaking and listening skills but also elevate your overall academic performance. In summary, if you're ready to take your English conversational skills to the next level and engage meaningfully in academic discussions, this course is an excellent choice. Enroll today, and take the step toward becoming a more confident and effective communicator in English.

Syllabus

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.

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.

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.

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.