7 Note Taking courses in London

This course is designed to help adult learners develop the necessary language skills for academic success in an English-speaking environment. Through a combination of reading, writing, listening, and speaking exercises, participants will enhance their abilities to comprehend and produce academic texts, engage in critical thinking, and effectively communicate their ideas in written and spoken English.  Course Duration: 12 weeks (24 sessions) Course Objectives: By the end of this course, participants will: 1. Improve their academic vocabulary and understanding of complex grammatical structures. 2. Enhance their reading comprehension skills for academic texts. 3. Develop effective note-taking strategies for lectures and presentations. 4. Enhance their academic writing skills, including essay structure and research techniques. 5. Improve their ability to deliver academic presentations and participate in discussions. 6. Gain familiarity with academic conventions and citation styles. Course Outline: Week 1: Introduction to Academic English - Assessing participants' language proficiency and academic goals - Overview of the course syllabus and expectations - Introduction to academic vocabulary and common idiomatic expressions Week 2: Reading Comprehension - Scanning and skimming techniques for efficient reading - Strategies for understanding main ideas and supporting details - Vocabulary building through reading academic texts Week 3: Note-taking Skills - Effective note-taking during lectures and presentations - Organizing and summarising information - Practice exercises and listening activities Week 4: Academic Writing: Paragraph Structure - Understanding the components of a well-structured paragraph - Developing topic sentences and supporting ideas - Practice exercises on paragraph development Week 5: Academic Writing: Essay Structure - Introduction to essay structure: introduction, body, and conclusion - Crafting clear and concise thesis statements - Developing coherent and well-supported arguments Week 6: Research Skills and Citations - Introduction to academic research techniques - Evaluating sources for credibility and relevance - Understanding and applying citation styles (e.g., APA, MLA) Week 7: Grammar for Academic Writing - Review of essential grammar structures for academic writing - Practice exercises on sentence structure and complex grammar - Common grammatical errors to avoid in academic writing Week 8: Academic Writing: Research Papers - Understanding the research paper format and structure - Conducting literature reviews and integrating sources - Drafting and revising research papers Week 9: Academic Speaking: Presentations - Preparing and delivering effective academic presentations - Using visual aids and engaging the audience - Practicing presentation skills through individual and group activities Week 10: Academic Speaking: Discussions and Debates - Participating in academic discussions and debates - Expressing opinions and supporting arguments effectively - Listening and responding critically to others' viewpoints Week 11: Academic Writing: Critical Analysis - Analyzing and critiquing academic texts - Developing critical thinking and evaluation skills - Writing critical analysis essays Week 12: Review and Final Projects - Reviewing course content and addressing individual needs - Finalizing and presenting individual projects - Course evaluation and feedback session Note: This syllabus is a guideline and can be customised based on the specific needs and preferences of the participants. You can opt in and out of different modules. 

Meetings are a fact of working life - both virtual and physical meetings. Recording the key points from meetings is critical to making sure that accurate information is captured, and action points are clearly identified and allocated. This virtual training session will support members of staff to develop their skills in recording the key points from meetings and discussions. This course will help participants: * Describe the different levels of note taking and pick the appropriate style for the meeting * Prepare to take minutes in the virtual and the physical environment * Liaise and work in partnership with the meeting Chair * Use a template to enable the capturing of key points * Set up the room ready for the meeting * Identify key points to record, versus what not to record * Interrupt the meeting confidently to check key points * Take neutral, accurate and concise records * Produce a well-laid out set of minutes. 1 INTRODUCTION * Objectives and overview * Introductions and personal aims 2 AN INTRODUCTION TO MINUTES * Purpose and use * Different levels of notetaking 3 PREPARING TO TAKE MINUTES * Identifying the purpose of the meeting * Working with the Chair * Tips and techniques to prepare effectively * Case studies, review and discussion * The physical environment: setting up for a meeting 4 LISTENING AND RECORDING * Tips and techniques to make the process easier * How to interrupt a meeting * What to record; what to leave out * Recording in short-form using playscript and bullet-points * Listening neutrally * Activity: Minuting a Meeting * The tricky ones and how to overcome problems in the meeting 5 PREPARING THE MINUTES * Producing a set of draft minutes * Tips on grammar, punctuation and layout * Stylistic variation * Managing feedback from the Chair 6 REVIEW * Summary of key learning points * Action planning

This English for Specific Purposes (ESP) tutoring course is designed to cater to the specific language needs of adult learners in their professional or academic fields. Participants will focus on developing their communication skills in English within their specific area of expertise. Through targeted lessons, practical exercises, and industry-specific materials, learners will enhance their ability to effectively communicate in English within their professional or academic contexts.  Course Duration: 10 weeks (40 sessions) Course Objectives: By the end of this course, participants will: 1. Communicate confidently and effectively in English within their specific field. 2. Expand industry-specific vocabulary and terminology. 3. Develop listening skills to understand specialised language and accents. 4. Enhance reading comprehension skills for professional or academic texts. 5. Write accurately and coherently for specific purposes within their field. Course Outline: Week 1: Introduction and Needs Analysis - Introduction to course objectives, expectations, and ESP methodology - Conducting a needs analysis to identify participants' specific language requirements - Establishing individual learning goals and expectations within their field of expertise Week 2: Speaking Skills for Specific Purposes - Developing effective oral communication skills for professional or academic contexts - Practicing role-plays, presentations, and discussions within participants' fields - Enhancing fluency and confidence in expressing ideas and opinions Week 3: Listening Skills for Specific Purposes - Developing listening skills to understand specialised language, accents, and speech patterns - Authentic listening materials related to participants' field of expertise - Strategies for effective note-taking and comprehension of specialised content Week 4: Vocabulary Expansion within Participants' Field - Expanding industry-specific vocabulary and terminology - Exercises and activities to reinforce and practice specialized vocabulary - Incorporating technical terms and jargon into spoken and written communication Week 5: Reading Comprehension for Professional/Academic Texts - Developing reading skills for professional or academic texts within participants' fields - Strategies for skimming, scanning, and understanding complex texts - Identifying main ideas, supporting details, and summarizing key information Week 6: Writing Skills for Specific Purposes - Improving writing skills for specific purposes within participants' field - Practice exercises for writing reports, proposals, academic papers, etc. - Enhancing clarity, coherence, and professional tone in written communication Week 7: Presentation and Public Speaking Skills - Developing effective presentation skills within participants' field - Techniques for organizing content, engaging the audience, and delivering impactful presentations - Practice sessions with feedback and guidance Week 8: Negotiation and Business Communication Skills - Enhancing negotiation and business communication skills for professional contexts - Role-plays and practical exercises for effective communication in meetings, negotiations, etc. - Polishing language and strategies for successful business interactions Week 9: Cross-Cultural Communication - Understanding cultural nuances and adapting communication styles within participants' field - Developing intercultural communication skills for international professional contexts - Practicing effective communication in multicultural environments Week 10: Review and Final Evaluation - Reviewing course content and addressing individual needs - Comprehensive review exercises for all language skills within participants' field - Final evaluation and feedback session Note: This syllabus serves as a guideline and can be customised based on the specific needs, interests, and proficiency levels of the participants. The course may also include guest speakers or industry-specific field trips to provide further immersion and practical application of language skills.

This English Exam Preparation course is specifically designed for adult learners who are preparing to take an English language proficiency exam, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge exams. Participants will focus on developing the necessary skills and strategies to achieve a successful outcome in their chosen exam. Through targeted practice, exam-specific tasks, and personalised feedback, learners will gain confidence and proficiency in all sections of the exam. Course Duration: 12 weeks (48 sessions) Course Objectives: By the end of this course, participants will: 1. Understand the format and requirements of the chosen English language proficiency exam. 2. Develop effective strategies for each section of the exam. 3. Enhance reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills within the context of the exam. 4. Expand vocabulary and improve language accuracy for exam-specific tasks. 5. Practice time management techniques to complete tasks within the allocated time. Course Outline: Week 1: Introduction to the Exam - Introduction to the chosen English language proficiency exam - Overview of the exam format, sections, and scoring criteria - Assessment of participants' current language proficiency and individual learning goals Week 2: Reading Skills and Strategies - Understanding different question types in the reading section - Developing reading skills for comprehension, skimming, and scanning - Practice exercises and strategies to improve speed and accuracy Week 3: Writing Skills and Strategies - Analyzing the writing tasks and requirements of the exam - Developing skills for organising ideas, structuring paragraphs, and coherence - Practice exercises for different writing tasks (essays, reports, letters, etc.) Week 4: Listening Skills and Strategies - Identifying question types and understanding the listening section format - Developing listening skills for main ideas, details, and inference - Practice exercises and strategies for improving listening accuracy and note-taking Week 5: Speaking Skills and Strategies - Understanding the speaking section requirements and assessment criteria - Developing skills for fluency, coherence, and pronunciation - Practice exercises for different speaking tasks (interviews, presentations, etc.) Week 6: Vocabulary Expansion for Exam Tasks - Expanding vocabulary in specific topics and themes relevant to the exam - Practice exercises to reinforce and use new vocabulary effectively - Techniques for deducing meaning from context and using appropriate vocabulary Week 7: Grammar and Language Accuracy - Reviewing and reinforcing essential grammar rules and structures - Identification and correction of common grammar errors in exam tasks - Exercises and activities to improve language accuracy in writing and speaking Week 8: Time Management and Exam Strategies - Strategies for time management and prioritizing tasks during the exam - Practice exercises to improve speed and efficiency in completing tasks - Tips and techniques for maximizing scores in each section Week 9: Mock Exam: Reading and Writing - Simulating a complete reading and writing section of the exam - Timed practice sessions to replicate exam conditions - Detailed feedback and analysis of strengths and areas for improvement Week 10: Mock Exam: Listening and Speaking - Simulating a complete listening and speaking section of the exam - Timed practice sessions to replicate exam conditions - Detailed feedback and analysis of strengths and areas for improvement Week 11: Exam Strategies Review and Practice - Reviewing and reinforcing exam strategies for each section - Targeted practice exercises to address specific challenges and areas of improvement - Individualised feedback and guidance based on participants' performance Week 12: Final Evaluation and Exam Tips - Comprehensive review of all exam sections and strategies - Final evaluation to assess participants' progress and readiness for the exam - Tips for managing test anxiety and mental preparation for the exam Note: This syllabus is a guideline and can be customised based on the specific exam requirements and the needs, interests, and proficiency levels of the participants. The course may also include additional topics or activities to cater to learners' specific goals or areas of focus.

This Business English tutoring course is designed to help adult learners improve their English language skills within a professional context. Participants will focus on developing their communication skills, vocabulary, and cultural understanding necessary for success in the business world. Through practical exercises, role-plays, and industry-specific materials, learners will enhance their ability to effectively communicate in English within various business situations.  Course Duration: 12 weeks (48 sessions) Course Objectives: By the end of this course, participants will: 1. Communicate confidently and effectively in English within a business setting. 2. Expand business-related vocabulary and improve language accuracy. 3. Develop listening skills to understand business conversations and presentations. 4. Enhance reading comprehension skills for business-related texts. 5. Write accurately and coherently for business correspondence. Course Outline: Week 1: Introduction to Business English - Introduction to course objectives, expectations, and methodology - Assessment of participants' current language proficiency and individual learning goals - Overview of key business English skills and areas of focus Week 2: Business Communication Skills - Developing effective oral communication skills for business settings - Role-plays and discussions related to common business scenarios - Enhancing fluency, clarity, and confidence in expressing ideas and opinions Week 3: Business Vocabulary Expansion - Expanding business-related vocabulary and terminology - Exercises and activities to reinforce and practice key business terms - Incorporating industry-specific jargon into oral and written communication Week 4: Business Writing Skills - Improving writing skills for business correspondence - Practice exercises for emails, reports, memos, and other business documents - Enhancing clarity, coherence, and professional tone in written communication Week 5: Listening and Comprehension in Business Contexts - Developing listening skills to understand business conversations, presentations, and meetings - Authentic listening materials related to various business topics - Strategies for note-taking, understanding accents, and extracting key information Week 6: Reading and Comprehension for Business - Developing reading skills for business-related texts - Strategies for skimming, scanning, and understanding complex business documents - Identifying main ideas, supporting details, and summarising key information Week 7: Business Presentation Skills - Developing effective presentation skills for business contexts - Techniques for organising content, engaging the audience, and delivering impactful presentations - Practice sessions with feedback and guidance Week 8: Business Negotiation Skills - Enhancing negotiation skills for business interactions - Role-plays and practical exercises for successful negotiations - Polishing language and strategies for effective business communication Week 9: Business Etiquette and Cultural Understanding - Understanding business etiquette and cultural nuances in professional settings - Developing intercultural communication skills for international business contexts - Practicing effective communication in diverse and multicultural environments Week 10: Business Networking and Socialising - Developing language skills for networking and socialising in business contexts - Role-plays and exercises for effective communication at conferences, events, etc. - Polishing conversational skills, small talk, and building professional relationships Week 11: Business Grammar and Language Accuracy - Reviewing and reinforcing essential grammar rules and structures in a business context - Identification and correction of common errors in business writing and speaking - Exercises and activities to improve language accuracy Week 12: Review and Final Evaluation - Reviewing course content and addressing individual needs - Comprehensive review exercises for all language skills in a business context - Final evaluation and feedback session Note: This syllabus serves as a guideline and can be customised based on the specific needs, interests, and proficiency levels of the participants. The course may also include guest speakers or industry-specific case studies to provide further immersion and practical application of language skills.

This English Exam Preparation course is specifically designed for adult learners who are preparing to take an English language proficiency exam, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge exams. Participants will focus on developing the necessary skills and strategies to achieve a successful outcome in their chosen exam. Through targeted practice, exam-specific tasks, and personalised feedback, learners will gain confidence and proficiency in all sections of the exam. Course Duration: 12 weeks (48 sessions) Course Objectives: By the end of this course, participants will: 1. Understand the format and requirements of the chosen English language proficiency exam. 2. Develop effective strategies for each section of the exam. 3. Enhance reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills within the context of the exam. 4. Expand vocabulary and improve language accuracy for exam-specific tasks. 5. Practice time management techniques to complete tasks within the allocated time. Course Outline: Week 1: Introduction to the Exam - Introduction to the chosen English language proficiency exam - Overview of the exam format, sections, and scoring criteria - Assessment of participants' current language proficiency and individual learning goals Week 2: Reading Skills and Strategies - Understanding different question types in the reading section - Developing reading skills for comprehension, skimming, and scanning - Practice exercises and strategies to improve speed and accuracy Week 3: Writing Skills and Strategies - Analyzing the writing tasks and requirements of the exam - Developing skills for organising ideas, structuring paragraphs, and coherence - Practice exercises for different writing tasks (essays, reports, letters, etc.) Week 4: Listening Skills and Strategies - Identifying question types and understanding the listening section format - Developing listening skills for main ideas, details, and inference - Practice exercises and strategies for improving listening accuracy and note-taking Week 5: Speaking Skills and Strategies - Understanding the speaking section requirements and assessment criteria - Developing skills for fluency, coherence, and pronunciation - Practice exercises for different speaking tasks (interviews, presentations, etc.) Week 6: Vocabulary Expansion for Exam Tasks - Expanding vocabulary in specific topics and themes relevant to the exam - Practice exercises to reinforce and use new vocabulary effectively - Techniques for deducing meaning from context and using appropriate vocabulary Week 7: Grammar and Language Accuracy - Reviewing and reinforcing essential grammar rules and structures - Identification and correction of common grammar errors in exam tasks - Exercises and activities to improve language accuracy in writing and speaking Week 8: Time Management and Exam Strategies - Strategies for time management and prioritizing tasks during the exam - Practice exercises to improve speed and efficiency in completing tasks - Tips and techniques for maximizing scores in each section Week 9: Mock Exam: Reading and Writing - Simulating a complete reading and writing section of the exam - Timed practice sessions to replicate exam conditions - Detailed feedback and analysis of strengths and areas for improvement Week 10: Mock Exam: Listening and Speaking - Simulating a complete listening and speaking section of the exam - Timed practice sessions to replicate exam conditions - Detailed feedback and analysis of strengths and areas for improvement Week 11: Exam Strategies Review and Practice - Reviewing and reinforcing exam strategies for each section - Targeted practice exercises to address specific challenges and areas of improvement - Individualised feedback and guidance based on participants' performance Week 12: Final Evaluation and Exam Tips - Comprehensive review of all exam sections and strategies - Final evaluation to assess participants' progress and readiness for the exam - Tips for managing test anxiety and mental preparation for the exam Note: This syllabus is a guideline and can be customised based on the specific exam requirements and the needs, interests, and proficiency levels of the participants. The course may also include additional topics or activities to cater to learners' specific goals or areas of focus.

Taking minutes is a much under-rated skill. It can be challenging at the best of times. So how do you do it for virtual meetings? This trainer-led session will help. It's a very practical programme which explores the issues specific to minuting on-line meetings and gives solutions to some of the trickier problems. Full of useful tips, the session will enable participants to: * Identify how to adapt their current minute-taking skills to on-line meetings * Plan and prepare for a meeting * Follow a line of discussion * Work in partnership with a remote Chair * Deal confidently with minute-taking challenges. 1 WELCOME * Programme objectives * Personal introductions 2 ADAPTING MINUTE-TAKING TO VIRTUAL MEETINGS * How is it different? * What changes in approach are needed? 3 PREPARATION * Preparing for the meeting * Technology and equipment * Dress and personal presentation * Liaising with the Chair * Practical preparation tips 4 MINUTING TIPS * Managing the 'techie' elements, eg. poor sound/visual quality * Knowing who is speaking * Following a line of discussion * What if I don't hear or understand? * Tips for producing a set of minutes 5 SESSION REVIEW * Summary, key learning points, feedback and close