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Communication Skills for University Success

This Specialization is aimed at preparing students for undergraduate study in an English-speaking university. The course equips you for full participation and engagement with your studies by building awareness and understanding of the core values and expectations of academic culture, and providing you with practical strategies to apply to your studies. In this course, you will learn how to develop your Communication Skills to help you achieve success in your university studies. After completing this course, you will be able to:

1. Recognise the importance of communication in communities of practice at university

2. Understand contexts of communication at university and associated expectations

3. Communicate clearly across a variety of different contexts and to a wide range of audiences by adapting communicative styles appropriately

4. Demonstrate, negotiate, and further understanding through spoken, written, visual, and conversational modes

5. Effectively formulate arguments and communicate research findings through the process of researching, composing, and editing

6. Confidently engage in constructive and critical dialogue with respect and professionalism

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Communication in Academic Culture

Participating in University Discussion Contexts

Interpreting, Researching & Planning Written Assignments

Writing Effective & Concise Written Assignments

Giving Persuasive & Engaging Presentations

Summative Assignment

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Opens university participation and engagement for nonnative English speakers

Aids in communication across various academic contexts

Fosters critical dialogue and respectful engagement

Develops communication skills for academic success

Builds awareness and understanding of academic culture and values

Improves ability to research, compose, and edit effectively

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Reviews summary

Effective communication skills for university

Learners say this course includes good and engaging lectures, readings, and assignments that are helpful for developing communication skills necessary for university success. According to students, instructors are clear on expectations and provide useful feedback.

In-depth lectures, readings, and assignments

"Good planification and organization, deep content, and so didatical."

"The course is very helpfull, I have gained more skills and knowledge"

"This course very useful and helpful and thank you"

Instructors provide clear expectations and feedback

"well, the course is amazing, the instructors are very clear on what is expected on the dos and don't in regards to communication skills."

"I appreciate on how you handle this course as it has improved my communication skills which I can express my thoughts clearly."

"Good planification and organization, deep content, and so didatical."

Develop essential communication skills for university

"Excellent course to improve our communication skills in English "

"this course is good for new students"

"This is an amazing course that helps all students have the required knowledge to succeed in their journey at college."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Communication Skills for University Success with these activities:

Review vocabulary to refresh existing language skills

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Strengthen vocabulary skills to enhance comprehension and expression in academic writing and communication.

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Review a list of common academic vocabulary words.
Create flashcards or use a spaced repetition system to improve memorization.
Practice using the vocabulary words in writing exercises or conversations.

Review Different Communication Styles

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Review the different types of communication styles and how they are used in academic settings to ensure you're able to use them effectively.

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Gather information on different communication styles.
Analyze the different communication styles and their effectiveness in different settings.

Read and summarize academic texts to improve reading comprehension and critical thinking

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Develop strong reading comprehension and critical thinking skills by practicing summarizing academic texts.

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Select a short academic text.
Read the text carefully and identify the main points.
Summarize the text in your own words, focusing on the key ideas and supporting evidence.

Nine other activities

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Compile resources and tools to create a personalized study guide

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Enhance learning by organizing and compiling resources to create a customized study guide.

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Identify the key topics and concepts of the course.
Gather relevant materials such as lecture notes, textbooks, online articles, and videos.
Organize the materials into a logical structure that supports your learning.

Practice active listening

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Active listening is a key skill for effective communication. Practice active listening to improve your ability to understand and respond to others.

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Find a partner to practice with.
Take turns speaking and listening.
Focus on understanding what the other person is saying, both verbally and nonverbally.
Ask questions to clarify what the other person is saying.
Summarize what the other person has said to ensure understanding.

Join a study group

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Study groups are a great way to learn from your peers and reinforce the material you're learning in class. Join a study group to improve your understanding of the course material and your ability to work with others.

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Find a study group that meets your needs.
Attend study group meetings regularly.
Participate actively in study group discussions.

Write a variety of sentences to practice grammar and sentence structure

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Practice writing grammatically correct and well-structured sentences to improve overall writing proficiency.

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Identify the parts of speech in a sentence.
Learn the basic rules of grammar, such as subject-verb agreement and verb tenses.
Practice writing sentences in different styles, such as simple, compound, and complex.

Complete short writing exercises to practice grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure

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Improve grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure through regular practice with targeted writing exercises.

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Identify areas where you need improvement.
Find exercises that focus on those areas.
Complete the exercises regularly and track your progress.

Conduct a mock presentation to practice public speaking skills

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Enhance confidence and communication skills by delivering a practice presentation in a supportive environment.

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Choose a topic and prepare a brief presentation.
Rehearse the presentation and time it to ensure it fits within the allotted time.
Present the topic to a small group of peers and receive feedback.

Create a communication plan for a project

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A communication plan is an essential tool for ensuring that all stakeholders are on the same page and that the project is completed successfully. Create a communication plan for a project to improve your project management skills.

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Identify the key stakeholders for the project.
Determine the communication needs of each stakeholder.
Develop a communication strategy that meets the needs of all stakeholders.
Create a communication schedule that outlines when and how communication will take place.
Monitor the communication plan and make adjustments as necessary.

Give a presentation on a topic related to the course

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Giving presentations is a common requirement in academic settings. Practice giving presentations to improve your public speaking skills and your ability to communicate your ideas clearly and effectively.

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Choose a topic that you are interested in and that is relevant to the course.
Research your topic thoroughly.
Develop a clear and concise presentation outline.
Practice your presentation multiple times.
Deliver your presentation confidently and effectively.

Contribute to open-source projects to demonstrate understanding of academic concepts

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Apply academic knowledge in a practical setting by contributing to open-source projects and showcasing programming skills.

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Identify an open-source project that aligns with your interests and skill level.
Review the project's documentation and codebase.
Make a meaningful contribution, such as fixing a bug, adding a feature, or improving the documentation.

Career center

Learners who complete Communication Skills for University Success will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Writer

Writers craft written content for various purposes and audiences. They may write for websites, magazines, newspapers, books, or other forms of media. This course teaches skills like argument formation, research, and composition, which are essential for Writers and may help you succeed in this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Writer

Editor

Editors review, correct, and improve written content. They may work for publishing houses, magazines, newspapers, or other organizations. The course's focus on effective and concise writing may be useful for Editors and help build a foundation for success in this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Editor

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers develop and implement marketing campaigns to promote products or services. They may conduct market research, develop advertising campaigns, or manage social media. The course may be useful for Marketing Managers as it teaches skills like communication, audience adaptation, and argument formation, which are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Public relations manager

Public Relations Managers develop and implement public relations campaigns to shape public opinion about an organization or individual. They may write press releases, manage social media, or communicate with the media. The course may be useful for Public Relations Managers, as it teaches skills like communication, audience adaptation, and argument formation, which are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public relations manager

Communications Manager

Communications Managers oversee all aspects of an organization's communication strategy. They may develop and implement communication plans, manage media relations, or write speeches. The course's emphasis on communication skills, audience adaptation, and argument formation may be useful for Communications Managers and help build a foundation for success in this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Communications Manager

Speechwriter

Speechwriters write speeches for politicians, executives, and other public figures. They must be able to research, write, and edit speeches that are clear, persuasive, and engaging. The course's focus on public speaking, argument formation, and effective writing may be useful for Speechwriters and help build a foundation for success in this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Speechwriter

Journalist

Journalists write and report on news stories for newspapers, magazines, websites, and other media outlets. They must be able to research, interview sources, and write clear, concise, and accurate articles. The course may be useful for Journalists, as it teaches skills like research, communication, and argument formation, which are essential for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Grant Writer

Grant Writers write grant proposals to secure funding for non-profit organizations and other institutions. They must be able to research, write, and edit grant proposals that are clear, persuasive, and well-organized. The course's focus on research, writing, and argument formation may be useful for Grant Writers and help build a foundation for success in this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Grant Writer

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create instruction manuals, technical reports, and other documents that explain complex technical information. They must be able to write clearly and concisely, and they must have a strong understanding of the subject matter they are writing about. The course's emphasis on effective writing, research, and argument formation may be useful for Technical Writers and help build a foundation for success in this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Instructional Designer

Instructional Designers develop and implement training programs for businesses and other organizations. They must be able to identify training needs, develop learning objectives, and create instructional materials. The course's focus on communication, audience adaptation, and argument formation may be useful for Instructional Designers and help build a foundation for success in this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer

User Experience Designer

User Experience Designers design and evaluate websites, apps, and other digital products. They must be able to understand user needs, create user-friendly interfaces, and test and iterate on designs. The course's emphasis on communication, audience adaptation, and research may be useful for User Experience Designers and help build a foundation for success in this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Designer

Social Media Manager

Social Media Managers create and manage social media content for businesses and other organizations. They must be able to create engaging content, track social media metrics, and interact with customers. The course's focus on communication, audience adaptation, and research may be useful for Social Media Managers and help build a foundation for success in this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Manager

Librarian

Librarians help people find and access information. They may work in public libraries, school libraries, or academic libraries. They must be able to communicate effectively with patrons and have a strong understanding of library resources. The course's emphasis on communication, research, and audience adaptation may be useful for Librarians and help build a foundation for success in this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian

Archivist

Archivists preserve and manage historical documents and artifacts. They may work in museums, libraries, or historical societies. They must be able to communicate effectively with patrons and have a strong understanding of archival principles. The course's emphasis on communication, research, and audience adaptation may be useful for Archivists and help build a foundation for success in this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Archivist

Historian

Historians research, analyze, and interpret the past. They may work in academia, museums, or government agencies. They must be able to communicate effectively and have a strong understanding of historical research methods. The course's emphasis on research, writing, and audience adaptation may be useful for Historians and help build a foundation for success in this career.

See salaries and explore the career path for Historian

Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Communication Skills for University Success.

Academic Writing for Graduate Students

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This handbook provides practical advice on writing academic texts in English, covering topics such as referencing, grammar, and style. It is particularly useful for international students who may not be familiar with the conventions of academic writing in English.

Communication Skills for University Success

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Effective communication skills for university

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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