21ST CENTURY COMMUNICATION: LISTENING, SPEAKING AND CRITICAL THINKING
(Class limited to 20 students)

Must have advanced ESL speaking skills- be able to comfortably participate in everyday conversations, express opinions, ask and answer questions, describe simple situations (errors are okay but they must not stop participation).

If you have termed out of the advanced low ESL class at the Palo Alto Adult School, are an advanced ESL learner and if you want to take your English listening and, speaking skills to the next level, this class is for you. Whether you are preparing for the TOEFL, preparing to take college level courses, employed, or a stay at home parent this course uses powerful ideas from TED talks to teach ESL learners to think critically and communicate effectively.

Through podcasts and TED videos, students build and practice vocabulary; read, interpret and discuss info graphics; identify main ideas; develop fluency in listening and speaking and participate in group discussions and presentations. The textbook will be completed over two quarters. Students can enroll in one or both sessions.

TED Talks and podcasts are used to develop essential 21st century skills including critical thinking, collaboration, and visual literacy. Speaking, pronunciation and presentation skills inspired by TED speakers prepare learners to speak confidently in any situation. Extended listening based on real world situations and TED talks provide listening and note taking practice.

Required textbook can be purchased in the Adult School office — bring to first class.