Welcome to FreshNote, your distinguished Uniblog, today we're going to discuss on GST- language and communication, exploring it handout/objective, and summary.
Course Description
This course introduces students to the principles of effective communication in English, focusing on listening, reading, note-taking, vocabulary development, and comprehension skills. It is designed to improve students’ ability to function academically and socially using English as a medium of learning and interaction.
GST 101 handout
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
Demonstrate effective listening and comprehension skills.
Take accurate notes from lectures and discussions.
Retrieve information from spoken and written materials.
Apply effective reading strategies (skimming, scanning, critical reading).
Develop and use academic vocabulary across disciplines.
Read, comprehend, and evaluate various text types, including scientific and expository texts.
Interpret and critically analyze written materials.
Course Modules & Units
Module 1: Listening Skills
Unit 1: Listening Enabling Skills
Unit 2: Listening and Comprehending
Unit 3: Listening Comprehension and Note Taking
Unit 4: Listening Comprehension and Information Retrieval: General
Unit 5: Listening Comprehension and Information Retrieval: Data, Figures, Diagrams, and Charts
Module 2: Advanced Listening and Reading Skills
Unit 1: Listening for the Main Idea
Unit 2: Listening for Interpretation and Critical Evaluation
Unit 3: Effective Reading
Unit 4: Skimming and Scanning
Module 3: Vocabulary Development and Reading
Unit 1: Reading and Comprehending at Varying Speed Levels II
Unit 2: Reading for Vocabulary Development I
Unit 3: Reading for Vocabulary Development II
Unit 4: Reading for Vocabulary Development in Various Academic Contexts I
Unit 5: Reading for Vocabulary Development in Various Academic Contexts II
Module 4: Reading and Critical Interpretation
Unit 1: Reading Diverse Texts: Narratives
Unit 2: Reading Diverse Texts: Expository Texts
Unit 3: Reading and Comprehending Passages with Tables
Unit 4: Reading Scientific Texts
Unit 5: Reading for Interpretation and Critical Evaluation.
GST 102: English and communication II
1. Who is a Listener?
Read here
A listener is not just someone who hears sounds but a person who actively processes and understands spoken words.
- Definition: A listener is the receiver in the communication process.
- Role: Helps ensure mutual understanding between speaker and audience.
- Qualities of a Good Listener: Attentiveness, patience, empathy, and the ability to filter distractions.
2. Listening Techniques
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Listening is an active process that requires strategies.
- Active Listening: Giving full attention to the speaker.
- Barriers: Noise, distractions, bias, or lack of focus.
- Improvement: Concentrate, take notes, ask questions, and avoid assumptions.
3. Listening and Understanding
- Hearing vs Listening: Hearing is physical; listening requires comprehension.
- Comprehension: Understanding context, tone, and implied meaning.
- Types: Listening for gist (main idea) vs detail (specific points).
4. Note Taking
Read here
Note-taking is vital for academic success.
- Methods:
- Linear (point by point)
- Mapping (visual diagrams)
- Outlining (hierarchical structure)
- Benefits: Helps recall lectures, aids exam preparation, and improves focus.
- Tips: Use abbreviations, highlight keywords, and review notes regularly.
Module 2: Reading Skills
1. Reading Techniques
Read here
Reading goes beyond recognizing words; it is about understanding meaning.
- Skimming: Reading quickly for the general idea.
- Scanning: Looking for specific information.
- Extensive Reading: Reading widely for pleasure or general knowledge.
- Intensive Reading: Careful reading for details and comprehension.
2. Listening and Reading Techniques Combined
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Both skills complement each other.
- Integration: Reading improves vocabulary, which aids listening comprehension.
- Practical Use: Students who read actively can follow lectures better.
- Exercises: Listen to an audio passage, then read a related text and compare understanding.
3. Interpretation and Critical Evaluation
Read here
Critical thinking is crucial in academic reading and listening.
- Interpretation: Understanding meaning beyond literal words.
- Evaluation: Questioning arguments, analyzing evidence, and forming independent opinions.
- Skills: Summarizing, paraphrasing, and detecting bias in texts or speeches.
Module 3: Oral Communication
Public Speaking and Overcoming Stage Fright
Read here
Public speaking is a vital skill for students and professionals.
- Basics of Public Speaking: Voice projection, clarity, and body language.
- Overcoming Stage Fright: Prepare adequately, practice, breathe deeply, and focus on the message, not fear.
- Effective Delivery: Use gestures, maintain eye contact, and connect with your audience.
Additional Resources
Complete GST 101 Outline (Handout)
Access hereGST 101 Past Questions (Simulated CBT Practice)
Practice here
Assessment Structure
Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMA): 30%
Final Examination: 70%
Total: 100%
A Practical Guide for 100-level students
When I first encountered GST 101, I wondered why every student had to take this course regardless of their major. After years of working with students across different disciplines, I've come to understand just how crucial these skills are for academic success and beyond.
What This Course Is Really About
GST 101 isn't just another English class you need to pass. It's your foundation for surviving and thriving in university. Think about it – every lecture you attend, every textbook you read, every assignment you write depends on your ability to process information effectively. That's exactly what this course teaches you.
The course recognizes that English serves as the primary language of instruction in Nigerian universities, yet many students struggle with the transition from secondary school to university-level communication demands. GST 101 bridges this gap by focusing on practical skills you'll use every single day as a student.
The Four Pillars of the Course
1. Mastering the Art of Listening
Most students think listening is passive – you just sit there and hear what the lecturer says. Wrong. Active listening is a skill that can make or break your academic performance.
In this section, you'll discover how to:
Stay focused during long lectures (yes, even the boring ones)
Pick out the most important points while taking notes
Understand what your lecturer really means, not just what they say
Extract key information from charts, graphs, and data presentations
Anticipate where a lecture is heading so you can prepare mentally
The difference between students who excel and those who struggle often comes down to how well they listen. You'll learn techniques that transform you from a passive receiver into an active participant in the learning process.
2. Reading Like a Scholar
University reading is nothing like what you did in secondary school. You're dealing with complex academic texts, research papers, and materials that assume a certain level of background knowledge.
This module teaches you to:
Skim through material quickly to get the main idea
Scan for specific information when you're pressed for time
Read intensively when you need deep understanding
Adjust your reading speed based on your purpose
Tackle different types of texts – from literature to scientific journals
Here's what many students don't realize: reading speed isn't everything. Sometimes you need to slow down and really digest complex ideas. Other times, you can skim through supporting details. Learning when to do which is invaluable.
3. Building Your Academic Vocabulary
Your vocabulary is your toolkit for academic success. A limited vocabulary doesn't just affect your English courses – it impacts your understanding across all subjects.
This section focuses on:
Learning words in context rather than memorizing lists
Understanding how words relate to each other through synonyms and antonyms
Breaking down complex words using roots, prefixes, and suffixes
Building subject-specific vocabulary for your field of study
Using new words confidently in both speech and writing
The goal isn't to show off with big words. It's about having the precise vocabulary you need to express complex ideas clearly and understand sophisticated academic discussions.
4. Critical Thinking Through Comprehension
This is where GST 101 goes beyond basic English skills. You'll learn to think critically about what you read and hear.
Key skills include:
Identifying the difference between facts and opinions
Recognizing bias in texts and presentations
Evaluating the strength of arguments
Understanding authors' underlying assumptions
Forming your own informed opinions based on evidence
These skills serve you well beyond university. In today's world of information overload, being able to critically evaluate what you encounter is essential.
Similar article: punctuation and articulation practice
How the Course Unfolds
The course is structured in four progressive modules, each building on the previous one:
Module 1 starts with fundamental listening skills. You'll practice with various audio materials and learn note-taking strategies that actually work in real lecture halls.
Module 2 advances to more sophisticated listening and introduces strategic reading approaches. You'll work with authentic academic materials similar to what you'll encounter in your other courses.
Module 3 concentrates on vocabulary expansion through practical application. Instead of rote memorization, you'll learn vocabulary in meaningful contexts that stick.
Module 4 brings everything together with complex reading materials and critical evaluation exercises. By this point, you'll be analyzing texts like a true scholar.
What Success Looks Like
Students who fully engage with GST 101 typically experience a transformation in their academic performance. They find themselves:
Understanding lectures more clearly and taking better notes
Reading assignments more efficiently and with greater comprehension
Participating more confidently in class discussions
Writing with greater precision and clarity
Thinking more critically about information they encounter
These improvements often show up in their other courses as well, leading to better overall academic performance.
Assessment Structure
The course evaluation reflects the practical nature of the skills being developed:
Continuous Assessment (30%): Regular assignments that reinforce the skills you're learning
Final Examination (70%): A comprehensive test of your ability to apply these skills in various contexts
The continuous assessment component is particularly valuable because it gives you regular practice and feedback, helping you improve steadily throughout the semester.
Why This Course Matters Beyond University
While GST 101 is designed to help you succeed academically, the skills you develop have much broader applications. In professional settings, you'll need to:
Listen effectively in meetings and presentations
Read and comprehend complex reports and documents
Communicate clearly with colleagues and clients
Think critically about business decisions and market information
The communication skills you develop in GST 101 become career assets that serve you throughout your professional life.
Making the Most of GST 101
To truly benefit from this course, approach it with the understanding that these are life skills, not just academic requirements. Practice active listening in all your classes, not just GST 101. Apply critical thinking to news articles and social media posts. Use your expanded vocabulary in conversations and writing across all your courses.
Remember, GST 101 is fundamentally about empowering you to engage more effectively with information and ideas. In our knowledge-based economy, these skills are among the most valuable you can develop. Take advantage of this opportunity to build a strong foundation for both academic success and lifelong learning.
References
1. Canpolat, M. (2015). Active listening strategies of academically successful university students. Journal of Education and Training Studies, 3(6), 1–8. Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1076695.pdf
2. Graves, K., & Loaize, M. (1999). Improving student active listening skills across the curriculum. ERIC Document ED433575. Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED433575.pdf
3. Paramole, F. T., Adeoye, S. A., Arowosaye, M. A., & Ibikunle, A. B. (2024). The impact of active listening on student engagement and learning outcomes in educational settings. International Journal of Educational Research, 5(2), 45–60. Retrieved from https://journal.umpr.ac.id/index.php/ijue/article/view/8898
4. Rahmawati, N., & Fadilah, D. (2022). Integrating listening skills into higher education curricula: A necessity in the age of technological distractions. International Journal of Humanities, Social Sciences and Management, 5(3), 120–130. Retrieved from https://ijhssm.org/issue_dcp/Integrating%20listening%20skills%20into%20higher%20education%20curricula%20%20A%20necessity%20in%20the%20age%20of%20technological%20distractions.pdf
5. Student Engagement in Listening Strategies Impacts Self-Perception and Academic Performance. (2025). Journal of College Student Development. Retrieved from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10904018.2025.2491306
6. Harvard Graduate School of Education. (2017). The value of listening. Usable Knowledge. Retrieved from https://www.gse.harvard.edu/ideas/usable-knowledge/17/09/value-listening
7. Open university of Nigeria- GST 101 language and communication https://nou.edu.ng/coursewarecontent/GST%20101.pdf