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Academic Listening and Note-Taking

Tamy Chapman, Dana Saito-Stehberger, and Brad Gilpin

This course will help non-native English speakers improve their listening and note-taking skills for the purpose of listening to academic lectures. You will learn techniques for improving your understanding and skills for taking more effective notes, and you will get lots of practice in using these. If you're planning to attend college classes in English, then this class is for you.

Upon completing this course, you will be able to:

1. Understand and follow a lecture

2. Take better lecture notes

3. Discuss courses with classmates and professors

Read more

This course will help non-native English speakers improve their listening and note-taking skills for the purpose of listening to academic lectures. You will learn techniques for improving your understanding and skills for taking more effective notes, and you will get lots of practice in using these. If you're planning to attend college classes in English, then this class is for you.

Upon completing this course, you will be able to:

1. Understand and follow a lecture

2. Take better lecture notes

3. Discuss courses with classmates and professors

4. Give an effective academic presentation

Please note that the free version of this class gives you access to all of the instructional videos and handouts. The peer feedback and quizzes are only available in the paid version.

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What's inside

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.
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Teaches strategies to improve listening skills, a core benefit for learners
Enhances note-taking skills, valuable for academic pursuits
Provides techniques for comprehension and improved academic outcomes
Course explicitly designed for non-native English speakers
Explicitly targets learners planning to attend English-based college classes
Requires prerequisites, which may extend learning time

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Reviews summary

Strategies for academic listening and notes

According to learners, this course offers highly practical strategies for improving academic listening and note-taking skills, particularly for non-native English speakers preparing for university. Students found the lectures to be clear and well-structured, making the content accessible. Many reported a significant improvement in their ability to follow lectures and organize information effectively. While largely positively received and considered a strong foundation, some reviewers noted that the material might be too basic for advanced learners already comfortable with academic English. Access to quizzes and peer feedback, which are important for practice, is only available in the paid version, which was a minor point of concern for some.
Lectures are easy to follow and understand.
"The instructor spoke clearly and at a perfect pace for language learners."
"Found the explanations in the video lectures very easy to understand."
"The content is presented in a clear and engaging manner."
Helps improve listening and note skills.
"My ability to follow along and take notes during lectures has significantly improved."
"Felt more confident listening to complex academic content after this course."
"Definitely helped me feel better prepared for academic studies in English."
Offers useful, applicable techniques.
"The strategies for note-taking were incredibly useful, I started using them right away in other contexts."
"I learned practical ways to improve my listening comprehension and organization."
"The techniques taught are directly applicable to university lectures."
Full benefit requires paid access.
"It's a shame the quizzes and peer review are paywalled; they are needed for practice."
"Felt like I missed out on the interactive parts without the certificate track."
"Access to all materials including feedback requires payment."
Best for beginners to intermediate learners.
"This course is great if you're just starting out, but it felt a bit too simple for me."
"Good as a foundational course, might not challenge advanced learners."
"If you already have strong academic English skills, you might find parts redundant."

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 Academic Listening and Note-Taking with these activities:
Review Academic Vocabulary
Reviewing essential academic vocabulary will enable you to develop a stronger foundation for understanding lectures.
Browse courses on Active Listening
Show steps
  • Identify relevant vocabulary from course materials.
  • Use online resources, such as dictionaries, to define and understand the terms.
  • Create flashcards or notes to help memorize the vocabulary.
Connect with Academic Support Services
Reach out to academic support services, such as writing centers or tutoring, to provide personalized guidance and support.
Show steps
  • Identify academic support services available at your institution.
  • Attend workshops or schedule appointments with tutors or mentors.
  • Discuss your learning goals and areas where you need support.
Online Listening Quizzes
Take online listening quizzes to assess your understanding of lectures and identify areas for improvement.
Browse courses on Assessment
Show steps
  • Find online listening quizzes or resources.
  • Listen to the audio clips and answer the comprehension questions.
  • Review your results and identify any areas where you need more practice.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice Note-Taking Techniques
Practice various note-taking techniques to improve your ability to capture and retain important information during lectures.
Browse courses on Academic Skills
Show steps
  • Find online tutorials or resources on different note-taking methods.
  • Experiment with different methods to discover what works best for you.
  • Apply these techniques while listening to sample lectures.
  • Seek feedback from instructors or peers to refine your note-taking.
Peer Discussion Groups
Engage in peer discussion groups to exchange insights, clarify concepts, and reinforce learning.
Browse courses on Collaboration
Show steps
  • Form a study group with classmates.
  • Choose a topic or lecture to discuss.
  • Take turns presenting your understanding and insights.
  • Discuss different perspectives and ask clarifying questions.
Active Listening Exercises
Engage in active listening exercises to enhance your ability to focus, follow, and understand lectures.
Browse courses on Active Listening
Show steps
  • Identify a lecture or video.
  • Listen attentively, taking notes as you would in a real lecture.
  • After listening, summarize the main points and key details.
  • Discuss your summary with a peer or instructor for feedback.
Create a Study Guide
Compile a comprehensive study guide that summarizes the key concepts, definitions, and examples covered in the course.
Browse courses on Study Skills
Show steps
  • Review your lecture notes and course materials.
  • Identify the main topics and subtopics.
  • Summarize the key points for each topic.
  • Organize the information logically.
  • Add examples, illustrations, or diagrams to enhance understanding.

Career center

Learners who complete Academic Listening and Note-Taking will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Professor
This course, Academic Listening and Note-Taking, is designed to help non-native English speakers improve their ability to understand and take notes during academic lectures. As a Professor, you will need to be able to deliver lectures effectively, making this course a valuable resource for developing your skills in this area. By learning techniques for improving your understanding and skills for taking more effective notes, you can become a more effective communicator and educator.
See salaries and explore the career path for Professor
Teacher
This course, Academic Listening and Note-Taking, is designed to help non-native English speakers improve their ability to understand and take notes during academic lectures. As a Teacher, you will need to be able to listen to and understand your students' questions and responses, and to take notes on their progress. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be an effective communicator and educator.
See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher
Educational Consultant
The Academic Listening and Note-Taking course is designed to help non-native English speakers improve their academic listening and note-taking skills. As an Educational Consultant, you will need to be able to understand and interpret educational materials, and to communicate effectively with students, parents, and other educators. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be an effective consultant and advocate for your clients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Consultant
Speech-Language Pathologist
The Academic Listening and Note-Taking course is designed to help non-native English speakers improve their academic listening and note-taking skills. As a Speech-Language Pathologist, you will need to be able to assess and treat individuals with speech and language disorders, and to develop and implement effective treatment plans. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be an effective clinician and advocate for your clients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Speech-Language Pathologist
Audiologist
The Academic Listening and Note-Taking course is designed to help non-native English speakers improve their academic listening and note-taking skills. As an Audiologist, you will need to be able to assess and treat individuals with hearing loss and other auditory disorders, and to develop and implement effective treatment plans. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be an effective clinician and advocate for your clients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Audiologist
Librarian
The Academic Listening and Note-Taking course is designed to help non-native English speakers improve their academic listening and note-taking skills. As a Librarian, you will need to be able to understand and interpret library materials, and to communicate effectively with patrons. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be an effective librarian and advocate for your patrons.
See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian
Archivist
The Academic Listening and Note-Taking course is designed to help non-native English speakers improve their academic listening and note-taking skills. As an Archivist, you will need to be able to understand and interpret archival materials, and to communicate effectively with researchers and other stakeholders. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be an effective archivist and advocate for your collections.
See salaries and explore the career path for Archivist
Museum curator
The Academic Listening and Note-Taking course is designed to help non-native English speakers improve their academic listening and note-taking skills. As a Museum Curator, you will need to be able to understand and interpret museum collections, and to communicate effectively with visitors and other stakeholders. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be an effective curator and advocate for your collections.
See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator
Journalist
The Academic Listening and Note-Taking course is designed to help non-native English speakers improve their academic listening and note-taking skills. As a Journalist, you will need to be able to understand and interpret news events, and to communicate effectively with sources and the public. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be an effective journalist and advocate for your readers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist
Lawyer
The Academic Listening and Note-Taking course is designed to help non-native English speakers improve their academic listening and note-taking skills. As a Lawyer, you will need to be able to understand and interpret legal documents, and to communicate effectively with clients and other legal professionals. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be an effective lawyer and advocate for your clients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Lawyer
Doctor
The Academic Listening and Note-Taking course is designed to help non-native English speakers improve their academic listening and note-taking skills. As a Doctor, you will need to be able to understand and interpret medical information, and to communicate effectively with patients and other healthcare professionals. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be an effective doctor and advocate for your patients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Doctor
Engineer
The Academic Listening and Note-Taking course is designed to help non-native English speakers improve their academic listening and note-taking skills. As an Engineer, you will need to be able to understand and interpret technical information, and to communicate effectively with colleagues and clients. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be an effective engineer and advocate for your clients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Engineer
Computer Scientist
The Academic Listening and Note-Taking course is designed to help non-native English speakers improve their academic listening and note-taking skills. As a Computer Scientist, you will need to be able to understand and interpret technical information, and to communicate effectively with colleagues and clients. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be an effective computer scientist and advocate for your clients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Scientist
Data Scientist
The Academic Listening and Note-Taking course is designed to help non-native English speakers improve their academic listening and note-taking skills. As a Data Scientist, you will need to be able to understand and interpret data, and to communicate effectively with colleagues and clients. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be an effective data scientist and advocate for your clients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist
Financial Analyst
The Academic Listening and Note-Taking course is designed to help non-native English speakers improve their academic listening and note-taking skills. As a Financial Analyst, you will need to be able to understand and interpret financial information, and to communicate effectively with colleagues and clients. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be an effective financial analyst and advocate for your clients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

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 Academic Listening and Note-Taking.
Cover image
Lecture Ready
Save
Is designed to help students develop the skills they need to listen effectively in academic settings. It covers a wide range of topics, including understanding lectures, taking notes, and participating in discussions.
Lecture Ready
Paperback
Check
Lecture Ready
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Mathematics Playbook
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the theory and practice of listening in the language classroom. It covers a wide range of topics, including the different types of listening, the factors that affect listening comprehension, and the strategies that can be used to improve listening skills.
The Mathematics Playbook: Implementing What Works...
Spiral-bound
$$
The Mathematics Playbook: Implementing What Works...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Fields of Reading
Save
Provides a step-by-step guide to taking effective notes. It covers a variety of topics, including the different types of notes, the strategies that can be used to take notes, and the ways that notes can be used to improve learning.
Fields of Reading: Motives for Writing
Paperback
$$$
Fields of Reading 9e & Pocket Style Manual with...
Hardcover
$$$
Cover image
Healing Haunted Histories
Save
Provides a practical guide to improving listening skills. It covers a wide range of topics, including the different types of listening, the factors that affect listening comprehension, and the strategies that can be used to improve listening skills.
Healing Haunted Histories: A Settler Discipleship...
Paperback
$$
Healing Haunted Histories: A Settler Discipleship...
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
How to Be Heard
Save
Provides a practical guide to developing greater empathy, richer relationships, and greater success in all aspects of life through the power of effective listening.
How to Be Heard
Paperback
Check
How to Be Heard
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Trauma to Triumph
Save
Provides a practical guide to improving listening skills in all areas of life, from personal relationships to professional settings.
Trauma to Triumph: A Roadmap for Leading Through...
Paperback
$
Trauma to Triumph: A Roadmap for Leading Through...
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
Active Listening: Improve Your Ability to Listen...
Save
Provides a practical guide to improving listening skills in all areas of life, from personal relationships to professional settings.
(Deutsch) Active Listening: Improve Your Ability to Listen...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Habit...
Save
Provides a framework for personal and professional success, including the importance of effective listening.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Habit...
Perfect Paperback
$$
Cover image
The Ultimate Guide to Lesson Planning
Save
Provides a framework for understanding the importance of mindset and how it can impact success, including the importance of effective listening.
The Ultimate Guide to Lesson Planning: Practical...
Hardcover
$$$$
Cover image
Covert Operations Unveiling Organized Crime
Save
Provides a framework for understanding the importance of emotional intelligence and how it can impact success, including the importance of effective listening.
Covert Operations Unveiling Organized Crime
Paperback
$$
Covert Operations Unveiling Organized Crime: Using...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Supercommunicators
Save
Provides a framework for understanding the importance of habits and how they can impact success, including the importance of effective listening.
Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret...
Hardcover
$$
Charles Duhigg 3 Books Collection Set...
Paperback
$$$
(Deutsch) Supercommunicators: Wie man die geheime Sprache...
Kindle Edition
$$
(Español) Supercomunicadores [Supercommunicators]: Cómo...
Audible Audiobook
$$
(Português) Supercomunicadores [Supercommunicators]: Como...
Audible Audiobook
$
Cover image
Schoolishness
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Provides a framework for understanding the importance of introversion and how it can impact success, including the importance of effective listening.
Schoolishness: Alienated Education and the Quest...
Paperback
$$
Schoolishness: Alienated Education and the Quest...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Course image
Effort
4-5 hours/week for 4 weeks
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of California, Irvine
Instructors
Tamy Chapman
Dana Saito-Stehberger
Brad Gilpin
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова magyar nyelv Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша اُردُو, فارسی বাংলা tiếng Việt پښتو آذربایجان دیلی
This course belongs to a collection called Learn English: Advanced Academic Speaking and Listening. It's comprised of four courses:
  1. Presentations: Speaking so that People Listen
  2. Academic Listening and Note-Taking (viewing)
  3. Advanced Speaking and Listening Project
  4. Academic Discussions in English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Teaches strategies to improve listening skills, a core benefit for learners
Enhances note-taking skills, valuable for academic pursuits
Provides techniques for comprehension and improved academic outcomes
Course explicitly designed for non-native English speakers
Explicitly targets learners planning to attend English-based college classes
Requires prerequisites, which may extend learning time
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