How can I improve my listening skills for academic English lectures?

Question

Hi everyone,

I'm currently preparing for university-level courses in the U.S., and one of my biggest challenges is following academic lectures, especially when the professors speak quickly or use complex vocabulary.

I’ve been watching YouTube lectures and TED Talks, but I still find it hard to catch everything, especially when there's background noise or multiple speakers.

Does anyone have effective strategies, exercises, or resources for improving listening comprehension in an academic context? Maybe specific podcasts, note-taking techniques, or even particular tutors you recommend?

Answer 1

Donald,

One of the best strategies for listening to lectures as an international learner whose first language is not English is to record the lecture, as has already been mentioned by another tutor. This may not always be possible, and you should check with your professor first to see if they are comfortable with you using recordings for personal academic purposes.

Some tips:

1. Write down words you don't know, and then make a point of looking them up. Keep track of them somewhere, like in an Excel spreadsheet or a flashcard deck. All college students will encounter words that are unfamiliar to them, so you're not alone!
2. Listen to your recordings at a slower speed, maybe 75 percent of the original speed. Take notes on paper, isolating what is important versus things you already know by heart and anecdotes that might provide context but are ultimately not essential to your understanding of any given concept.
3. Read a lot. Read everything you can get your hands on. Go to the library. Download free ebooks. Reading will allow you to expose yourself to new vocabulary and can improve your English skills in writing and in listening, as well as providing you new words to use while speaking.
4. Listen to audiobooks.
5. Practice by listening to podcasts you enjoy. "The History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps" is one of my top recommendations for college students, as it introduces you to a wide range of philosophical topics that you will likely learn about at some point anyway. Most intro-to-philosphy courses focus a lot on - in order, the Pre-Socratics; Plato and Aristotle; the Stoics such as Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius; then tend to skip Medieval philosophy in large part because it was heavily influenced by the church and then you'll find yourself learning about Descartes and his contemporaries.
6. Subscribe to a newsletter such as Merriam-Webster's "Word of the Day" to help further expand your vocabulary.
7. Take a free university-level MOOC (Massive Open Online Class) through Coursera or a similar platform.
8. Understand that it is a process that you will get better at, the more you are exposed to English language lectures. Don't get frustrated. Don't get discouraged. Keep learning and keep up the good work!

Wishing you a productive and instructive semester,

Caitlin

Answer 2

Dear Donald,

It sounds like you might be an international student or English as a second language speaker! One of the best approaches is to scaffold your listening abilities- start with podcasts on an area of academic interest to you. Colleges like Harvard or MIT record lectures and free classes that you can access online if you want to start building your skills further (https://pll.harvard.edu/catalog/free).

For note taking or listening skills, you can always develop some form of shorthand. If you don't recognize the words or vocabulary being used, you can write down a brief description or context of what was said, and then go in for office hours to clarify. Professors are much more understanding and patient than we often think.

Finally, don't be afraid to reach out to student support and tutoring services. Many colleges offer "note-takers" as accommodations for students- this would be another student taking the course who's notes you can follow and share after the lecture.

1. Morris

Answer 3

Hi, Donald,

First, you will want to make sure your brain is fully nourished. So, consider paying attention to your diet -- avoid sweets. Make a point to eat foods that will give you mental alertness and physical stamina. (I'm not talking about power drinks, but good, nutritious food.

Second, make sure you are well rested -- that you pace yourself, so that your mind isn't overly taxed. A well rested, calm mind can absorb a lot!

Third, practice grounding and meditation -- so that you are present, centered, and focused.

These habits alone will ensure that if the teacher speaks quickly, that your mind will be keeping pace, that you will be better able to process the information.

If you can, bring a recorder with you. If there is noise in the background, perhaps the teacher would allow you to place the recorder near the area where he/she is speaking -- so you can replay the lecture at your leisure.

Of course, make sure you are familiar with the lecture material in advance. You should receive class notes or outlines, even reading material in advance of the class. That way, you can focus on listening critically and actively, rather than playing catch-up, as if you were hearing the material for the first time.

Good luck!

Susan