Listening & Conversation

Description

Course Overview

This course is designed to develop students’ listening comprehension and conversational skills in various contexts. Through interactive activities, students will practice understanding spoken language, responding appropriately in conversations, and navigating cultural nuances in communication.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Improve listening comprehension in different contexts (e.g., casual conversations, academic settings, professional environments).
• Engage in meaningful conversations using appropriate vocabulary, grammar, and social conventions.
• Understand and apply cultural nuances in communication.
• Develop strategies for effective listening and conversation, including note-taking, summarizing, and asking clarifying questions.

Course Outline

Week 1: Introduction to Listening & Conversation

• Course Overview and Objectives
• Importance of Listening Skills in Effective Communication
• Assessing Current Listening and Speaking Skills
• Introduction to Active Listening Techniques
  • Eye contact
  • Nodding and verbal acknowledgments
  • Reflective listening

Week 2: Understanding Spoken Language

• Recognizing Different Accents and Dialects
• Identifying Key Information in Conversations
• Listening for Gist vs. Listening for Specific Details
• Practice: Listening to Short Dialogues and Summarizing Key Points

Week 3: Building Vocabulary and Phrases for Conversation

• Expanding Vocabulary for Everyday Conversations
• Common Phrases and Idioms
• Using Context Clues to Infer Meaning
• Practice: Role-Playing Common Conversational Scenarios

Week 4: Conversational Strategies

• Turn-Taking and Interruptions
• Starting, Maintaining, and Ending Conversations
• Politeness Strategies in Different Cultures
• Practice: Small Group Discussions

Week 5: Listening to Native Speakers

• Listening to Native Speakers in Different Contexts (e.g., news, podcasts, casual conversations)
• Identifying Tone, Mood, and Intent
• Practice: Analyzing Authentic Audio Materials

Week 6: Conversational Fluency

• Building Confidence in Speaking
• Using Fillers, Pauses, and Intonation
• Avoiding Common Mistakes in Conversations
• Practice: Paired Speaking Activities

Week 7: Advanced Listening Skills

• Listening for Implicit Meaning
• Understanding Humor, Sarcasm, and Irony
• Cultural References and Their Impact on Understanding
• Practice: Listening to Complex Audio Materials (e.g., debates, lectures)

Week 8: Conversational Topics and Cultural Sensitivity

• Discussing Various Topics: Social, Cultural, Political, and Personal
• Navigating Sensitive Topics and Cultural Differences
• Practice: Group Discussions on Global Issues

Week 9: Problem-Solving and Decision-Making in Conversations

• Using Persuasion and Negotiation Techniques
• Listening for Solutions and Suggestions
• Collaborative Decision-Making in Group Conversations
• Practice: Simulated Group Meetings

Week 10: Listening and Conversation in Professional Settings

• Understanding Professional Jargon and Formal Language
• Participating in Meetings and Discussions
• Effective Note-Taking During Conversations
• Practice: Mock Interviews and Business Meetings

Week 11: Integrating Listening and Speaking Skills

• Combining Listening, Speaking, and Cultural Awareness
• Strategies for Continuous Improvement
• Practice: Integrated Listening and Speaking Activities

Week 12: Review and Final Assessments

• Review of Key Concepts and Skills
• Final Listening and Speaking Assessments
  • Listening comprehension test
  • Recorded conversation or presentation
• Course Feedback and Evaluation

Assessment Methods

• Participation and Attendance: Active involvement in class activities (20%)
• Listening Quizzes: Regular assessments to gauge listening comprehension (20%)
• Conversation Practice: Graded role-plays and discussions (30%)
• Final Project: A recorded conversation or presentation showcasing learned skills (30%)

Materials and Resources

• Textbook: Selected textbook on listening and conversation skills.
• Audio Resources: Podcasts, interviews, TED Talks, and dialogues.
• Supplementary Materials: Articles, videos, and case studies.

Additional Notes

• Encourage students to practice listening and conversation outside of class, such as watching movies in the target language, participating in language exchange programs, and attending language meet-ups.
• Consider the inclusion of guest speakers or native speakers to provide students with authentic listening and speaking experiences.