Advanced Discussion

This course is designed to challenge students to speak about complex issues and topics which are happening in the world right now. One of the primary goals of this class is to expose students to real world English through articles, blogs and journals, allowing them to experience the language in the same way native speakers do. The class focuses on using a communicative approach. This means that the teacher will emphasize participation from students and give corrective feedback where necessary. Teaching methods are focused on active participation, pronunciation, listening and reading skills.

Students are encouraged to study course vocabulary and materials outside of the class in order to accelerate their learning progress.

Highlights

Exposure to Real World English through recent articles, blogs, journals, etc. gives students a native-like experience.
The class focuses on active communication skills.
Students will have the chance to lead seminars on the topics they are interested in.
Students will debate current events and world issues.

Timetable

Morning

9:00 AM - 10:45 AM

Introduction and reading of article

10:30 AM - 11:45 AM

Group discussion, related topics, Q&A

10:45 AM - 11:00 AM

First break

11:00 AM - 12:45 PM

Student-led seminars

Class Outcomes

At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to:

- Participate in fast paced, fluency focused conversation
- Understand complex / academic topics and contemporary issues
- Organize and participate in informal and conversational debates
- Comprehend international, global, and cultural issues in context
- Prepare and organize articles for discussion and related debate questions
- Present researched materials and articles to groups (topics include: science, politics, sociology, international relations and economics)
- Research new topics and vocabulary for personal study and use

Delivery Methods

Group discussions
Class discussions
Personal Research of Articles
In Class Article Presentation
Vocabulary Study in Articles
Debate / Discussion Question Creation
Informal debates

Evaluation

Speaking and listening: 50%
Participation: 25%
Presentations/Assignments: 25%

Attendance Policy

Attendance is an integral part of this class. Students who miss more than 3 days per session will find it very difficult to improve or keep up.

Materials

Daily Topical Articles Selected by the Instructor
Article Selection and Assignment guidelines