Academic Listening and Note-Taking

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/note-taking

Introduction

### Course Review: Academic Listening and Note-Taking on Coursera If you’re a non-native English speaker preparing to tackle college classes delivered in English, the course “Academic Listening and Note-Taking” on Coursera is a well-structured and indispensable resource that can significantly enhance your academic experience. With a focus on listening comprehension and effective note-taking strategies, this course is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to succeed in an academic environment where English is the medium of instruction. #### Overview The course is part of the "Learn English: Advanced Speaking and Listening" specialization, making it a foundational step toward mastering academic communication in English. It specifically targets the challenges faced by non-native speakers, such as understanding nuanced lecture content and effectively recording important information during classes. The curriculum focuses on practical techniques that you can apply immediately in your studies. #### Course Highlights 1. **Understanding Academic Listening**: The course begins by setting the stage for what academic listening entails. You will explore the complexities that come with listening to lectures and receive key strategies that simplify this process. This foundation is crucial as it makes the subsequent lessons more impactful. 2. **Identifying Topic and Purpose**: You will learn critical skills to discern the main topic and purpose of lectures. This helps you prioritize your listening, concentrating on the most vital aspects of the content delivered. 3. **Capturing Main Ideas and Details**: As the course progresses, it delves into the nuts and bolts of active note-taking. Specifically, you’ll develop skills to identify and record main ideas and supporting details. The focus on organizing notes enhances your ability to retain information and refer back to it when studying. 4. **Recognizing Stance and Speaker Attitude**: The final week culminates in learning how to gauge the speaker’s attitude and stance during a lecture, which is essential for fully understanding the context and emphasis of the material being presented. #### Practical Applications One of the strongest aspects of this course is the hands-on practice it provides. Each module features exercises that allow you to apply the techniques you’re learning in real-time. This practice is not just theoretical; it reflects the realities of being in a classroom setting. Moreover, the course encourages self-reflection on your listening habits before, during, and after lectures, giving you a holistic outlook on your learning process. Whether you’re taking notes, participating in discussions, or preparing presentations, the skills acquired from this course will serve you well. #### Recommendations This course is highly recommended for anyone looking to improve their academic listening and note-taking abilities in English. Here are a few reasons why: - **Designed for Non-Native Speakers**: The targeted approach ensures that learners can progress at a comfortable pace, building confidence along the way. - **Structured Learning Path**: The weekly breakdown allows for manageable learning segments, leading to a clear understanding of each aspect of academic listening. - **Valuable Skills for Academic Success**: Mastering these skills will not only prepare you for college but will also enhance your overall communication abilities in English. In conclusion, “Academic Listening and Note-Taking” offers an extensive toolkit for non-native speakers aiming to thrive in an English-speaking academic environment. By the end of the course, you’ll emerge with stronger listening comprehension and effective note-taking strategies that will support your educational journey and beyond. Don’t miss the opportunity to invest in your academic success!

Syllabus

Welcome

This is the first course in the Learn English: Advanced Speaking and Listening specialization. It is aimed at learners whose native language is not English. This course will help you improve your academic listening and speaking skills. For example, you will learn how to understand and follow a lecture, how to take better lecture notes, how to discuss courses with classmates and professors, and how to give an effective academic presentation.

This week, you will begin thinking about academic listening. You will learn what makes it difficult and how you can get better at listening and note taking. You'll also learn some tips to make it easier.

Now, you will learn about strategies to make you a better listener. You'll learn about what things to pay the most attention to and what things might not be so important in a lecture. You'll also learn that listening well to a lecture starts before the class and continues after the class.

Last week, you learned about listening to the beginning of a class lecture. This week, you will learn about listening to the middle of the lecture. You'll learn about idenifying main ideas and details and how to organize them well in your notes.

You've been learning about how to listen and take notes about various parts of a lecture. In this final week, you'll learn about some other strategies to help you listen and take notes more effectively in lectures.