{
  "id": "everest-critical-listening",
  "title": "Critical Listening Skills for Audio Professionals",
  "course_url": "/learn/courses/everest-critical-listening.html",
  "audience": "advanced",
  "lesson_count": 18,
  "mapped_checkpoint_count": 18,
  "rows": [
    {
      "id": "everest-01",
      "lesson_number": 1,
      "title": "Estimating the Frequency of Sound",
      "assignment": "Listen to each announced reference, then pause before the next answer. Write your estimate first. On a second pass, record whether your errors tend to run high or low.",
      "practice_steps": [],
      "evidence_requirement": "Add a labeled sketch explaining the sound behavior you observed, and cite the relevant lesson or source. Separate a listening observation from a physical measurement.",
      "standards": [
        "sound"
      ],
      "assessment_criteria": [
        "Identify frequency regions without using a spectrum display.",
        "Distinguish a tone from narrowband and broadband noise."
      ],
      "assessed_focus": "Connect the observed sound to its physical or digital cause and use a labeled sketch or graphic to explain it.",
      "alignment_scope": "The named work assesses this part of the standard; consult the official source for its complete scope."
    },
    {
      "id": "everest-02",
      "lesson_number": 2,
      "title": "Estimation of Sound Level Changes",
      "assignment": "Write louder, softer, or unchanged for each comparison before hearing its explanation. Repeat at the same comfortable playback setting and compare confidence.",
      "practice_steps": [],
      "evidence_requirement": "Add a labeled sketch explaining the sound behavior you observed, and cite the relevant lesson or source. Separate a listening observation from a physical measurement.",
      "standards": [
        "sound"
      ],
      "assessment_criteria": [
        "Recognize increases and decreases in level.",
        "Compare level judgments for tones, speech, and music."
      ],
      "assessed_focus": "Connect the observed sound to its physical or digital cause and use a labeled sketch or graphic to explain it.",
      "alignment_scope": "The named work assesses this part of the standard; consult the official source for its complete scope."
    },
    {
      "id": "everest-03",
      "lesson_number": 3,
      "title": "Estimating Frequency Band Limitations",
      "assignment": "Compare each restricted example with the reference. Note whether bass weight, vocal clarity, or high-frequency detail changed. Predict which edge of the band moved before the narration confirms it.",
      "practice_steps": [],
      "evidence_requirement": "Add a labeled sketch explaining the sound behavior you observed, and cite the relevant lesson or source. Separate a listening observation from a physical measurement.",
      "standards": [
        "sound"
      ],
      "assessment_criteria": [
        "Recognize low- and high-frequency restrictions.",
        "Describe how restrictions affect speech and music."
      ],
      "assessed_focus": "Connect the observed sound to its physical or digital cause and use a labeled sketch or graphic to explain it.",
      "alignment_scope": "The named work assesses this part of the standard; consult the official source for its complete scope."
    },
    {
      "id": "everest-04",
      "lesson_number": 4,
      "title": "Frequency Response Irregularities",
      "assignment": "For each example, record peak or dip, an approximate region, and a plain-language description. Compare your descriptions across speech and music.",
      "practice_steps": [],
      "evidence_requirement": "Add a labeled sketch explaining the sound behavior you observed, and cite the relevant lesson or source. Separate a listening observation from a physical measurement.",
      "standards": [
        "sound"
      ],
      "assessment_criteria": [
        "Distinguish localized peaks from dips.",
        "Connect coloration to a frequency region."
      ],
      "assessed_focus": "Connect the observed sound to its physical or digital cause and use a labeled sketch or graphic to explain it.",
      "alignment_scope": "The named work assesses this part of the standard; consult the official source for its complete scope."
    },
    {
      "id": "everest-05",
      "lesson_number": 5,
      "title": "Judgment of Sound Quality",
      "assignment": "List what changed in each pair before deciding which you prefer. Revisit one difficult example and identify the musical feature that made the difference audible.",
      "practice_steps": [],
      "evidence_requirement": "Name the musical aim and two listening criteria. Mark the exact passage supporting your decision; explain one benefit and one cost of the chosen version.",
      "standards": [
        "compare"
      ],
      "assessment_criteria": [
        "Separate description from preference.",
        "Compare simple and complex listening signals."
      ],
      "assessed_focus": "Name the musical purpose, compare the same passage fairly, and support the decision with audible details.",
      "alignment_scope": "The named work assesses this part of the standard; consult the official source for its complete scope."
    },
    {
      "id": "everest-06",
      "lesson_number": 6,
      "title": "Detecting Distortion",
      "assignment": "Listen for the first example where a change becomes noticeable. Describe its character and the signal used. Repeat without increasing your monitoring level.",
      "practice_steps": [],
      "evidence_requirement": "Add a labeled sketch explaining the sound behavior you observed, and cite the relevant lesson or source. Separate a listening observation from a physical measurement.",
      "standards": [
        "sound"
      ],
      "assessment_criteria": [
        "Recognize added roughness or harmonic content.",
        "Distinguish harmonic from intermodulation distortion conceptually."
      ],
      "assessed_focus": "Connect the observed sound to its physical or digital cause and use a labeled sketch or graphic to explain it.",
      "alignment_scope": "The named work assesses this part of the standard; consult the official source for its complete scope."
    },
    {
      "id": "everest-07",
      "lesson_number": 7,
      "title": "Reverberation Effects",
      "assignment": "Compare the speech and music examples. Record where words become harder to follow and where musical sounds begin to overlap.",
      "practice_steps": [],
      "evidence_requirement": "Name the musical aim and two listening criteria. Mark the exact passage supporting your decision; explain one benefit and one cost of the chosen version.",
      "standards": [
        "compare"
      ],
      "assessment_criteria": [
        "Hear differences in reverberant decay.",
        "Describe the effect on speech intelligibility and musical texture."
      ],
      "assessed_focus": "Name the musical purpose, compare the same passage fairly, and support the decision with audible details.",
      "alignment_scope": "The named work assesses this part of the standard; consult the official source for its complete scope."
    },
    {
      "id": "everest-08",
      "lesson_number": 8,
      "title": "Signal Versus Noise",
      "assignment": "Note the point where noise becomes audible in each sequence. Compare speech pauses with sustained music and explain the difference.",
      "practice_steps": [],
      "evidence_requirement": "Add a labeled sketch explaining the sound behavior you observed, and cite the relevant lesson or source. Separate a listening observation from a physical measurement.",
      "standards": [
        "sound"
      ],
      "assessment_criteria": [
        "Recognize noise under different program material.",
        "Explain why noise is more apparent during pauses."
      ],
      "assessed_focus": "Connect the observed sound to its physical or digital cause and use a labeled sketch or graphic to explain it.",
      "alignment_scope": "The named work assesses this part of the standard; consult the official source for its complete scope."
    },
    {
      "id": "everest-09",
      "lesson_number": 9,
      "title": "Voice Colorations",
      "assignment": "For each voice example, write one descriptive phrase and the demonstrated cause. Compare male and female voice examples without assuming identical responses.",
      "practice_steps": [],
      "evidence_requirement": "Add a labeled sketch explaining the sound behavior you observed, and cite the relevant lesson or source. Separate a listening observation from a physical measurement.",
      "standards": [
        "sound"
      ],
      "assessment_criteria": [
        "Describe vocal coloration consistently.",
        "Separate an audible observation from a proposed cause."
      ],
      "assessed_focus": "Connect the observed sound to its physical or digital cause and use a labeled sketch or graphic to explain it.",
      "alignment_scope": "The named work assesses this part of the standard; consult the official source for its complete scope."
    },
    {
      "id": "everest-10",
      "lesson_number": 10,
      "title": "Listening With Discernment",
      "assignment": "Make a listening log for the review track: example, suspected change, confidence, and explanation. Revisit your two least certain judgments using the earlier lesson tracks.",
      "practice_steps": [],
      "evidence_requirement": "Name the musical aim and two listening criteria. Mark the exact passage supporting your decision; explain one benefit and one cost of the chosen version.",
      "standards": [
        "compare"
      ],
      "assessment_criteria": [
        "Apply several listening skills to an unfamiliar example.",
        "Identify evidence for a proposed diagnosis."
      ],
      "assessed_focus": "Name the musical purpose, compare the same passage fairly, and support the decision with audible details.",
      "alignment_scope": "The named work assesses this part of the standard; consult the official source for its complete scope."
    },
    {
      "id": "everest-11",
      "lesson_number": 11,
      "title": "Loudness, Pitch, and Timbre",
      "assignment": "For each demonstration, identify the physical change and the perceptual change separately. Note any example where the simple correspondence is incomplete.",
      "practice_steps": [],
      "evidence_requirement": "Add a labeled sketch explaining the sound behavior you observed, and cite the relevant lesson or source. Separate a listening observation from a physical measurement.",
      "standards": [
        "sound"
      ],
      "assessment_criteria": [
        "Distinguish physical quantities from perceptions.",
        "Describe timbre without confusing it with pitch."
      ],
      "assessed_focus": "Connect the observed sound to its physical or digital cause and use a labeled sketch or graphic to explain it.",
      "alignment_scope": "The named work assesses this part of the standard; consult the official source for its complete scope."
    },
    {
      "id": "everest-12",
      "lesson_number": 12,
      "title": "How One Sound Masks Another",
      "assignment": "Follow the masker and test signal through the demonstrations. Record when the test signal is detectable and how the masker changes.",
      "practice_steps": [],
      "evidence_requirement": "Add a labeled sketch explaining the sound behavior you observed, and cite the relevant lesson or source. Separate a listening observation from a physical measurement.",
      "standards": [
        "sound"
      ],
      "assessment_criteria": [
        "Recognize a masked signal.",
        "Relate masking to spectral proximity."
      ],
      "assessed_focus": "Connect the observed sound to its physical or digital cause and use a labeled sketch or graphic to explain it.",
      "alignment_scope": "The named work assesses this part of the standard; consult the official source for its complete scope."
    },
    {
      "id": "everest-13",
      "lesson_number": 13,
      "title": "How the Ear Analyzes Sound",
      "assignment": "Listen for how the demonstrations change as spectral components move closer together or farther apart. Use the source figures alongside the narration.",
      "practice_steps": [],
      "evidence_requirement": "Add a labeled sketch explaining the sound behavior you observed, and cite the relevant lesson or source. Separate a listening observation from a physical measurement.",
      "standards": [
        "sound"
      ],
      "assessment_criteria": [
        "Explain auditory filtering in practical terms.",
        "Connect filter selectivity with masking."
      ],
      "assessed_focus": "Connect the observed sound to its physical or digital cause and use a labeled sketch or graphic to explain it.",
      "alignment_scope": "The named work assesses this part of the standard; consult the official source for its complete scope."
    },
    {
      "id": "everest-14",
      "lesson_number": 14,
      "title": "Non-Linearities in the Auditory System",
      "assignment": "Follow the tone-pair demonstrations at a comfortable level. Describe any additional perceived pitch, then compare your observation with the narration.",
      "practice_steps": [],
      "evidence_requirement": "Add a labeled sketch explaining the sound behavior you observed, and cite the relevant lesson or source. Separate a listening observation from a physical measurement.",
      "standards": [
        "sound"
      ],
      "assessment_criteria": [
        "Recognize the distinction between acoustic input and perception.",
        "Explain why the playback chain matters in a distortion demonstration."
      ],
      "assessed_focus": "Connect the observed sound to its physical or digital cause and use a labeled sketch or graphic to explain it.",
      "alignment_scope": "The named work assesses this part of the standard; consult the official source for its complete scope."
    },
    {
      "id": "everest-15",
      "lesson_number": 15,
      "title": "The Perception of Delayed Sounds",
      "assignment": "For each sequence, note the first change in timbre and the first clearly separate event. Compare your observations across the different source sounds.",
      "practice_steps": [],
      "evidence_requirement": "Add a labeled sketch explaining the sound behavior you observed, and cite the relevant lesson or source. Separate a listening observation from a physical measurement.",
      "standards": [
        "sound"
      ],
      "assessment_criteria": [
        "Distinguish coloration, fusion, and a separate echo.",
        "Describe the role of delay and relative level."
      ],
      "assessed_focus": "Connect the observed sound to its physical or digital cause and use a labeled sketch or graphic to explain it.",
      "alignment_scope": "The named work assesses this part of the standard; consult the official source for its complete scope."
    },
    {
      "id": "everest-16",
      "lesson_number": 16,
      "title": "Why Some Sounds Are More Pleasant Than Others",
      "assignment": "Describe how the interaction changes as tone spacing changes. Record perceived beats or roughness separately from whether you enjoy the sound.",
      "practice_steps": [],
      "evidence_requirement": "Add a labeled sketch explaining the sound behavior you observed, and cite the relevant lesson or source. Separate a listening observation from a physical measurement.",
      "standards": [
        "sound"
      ],
      "assessment_criteria": [
        "Hear beating and roughness.",
        "Separate a sensory observation from a preference judgment."
      ],
      "assessed_focus": "Connect the observed sound to its physical or digital cause and use a labeled sketch or graphic to explain it.",
      "alignment_scope": "The named work assesses this part of the standard; consult the official source for its complete scope."
    },
    {
      "id": "everest-17",
      "lesson_number": 17,
      "title": "How We Locate Sounds",
      "assignment": "Follow each spatial demonstration and record perceived position. Note your speaker or headphone arrangement so the result can be interpreted.",
      "practice_steps": [],
      "evidence_requirement": "Add a labeled sketch explaining the sound behavior you observed, and cite the relevant lesson or source. Separate a listening observation from a physical measurement.",
      "standards": [
        "sound"
      ],
      "assessment_criteria": [
        "Identify timing, level, and spectral localization cues.",
        "Describe apparent direction without confusing it with loudness."
      ],
      "assessed_focus": "Connect the observed sound to its physical or digital cause and use a labeled sketch or graphic to explain it.",
      "alignment_scope": "The named work assesses this part of the standard; consult the official source for its complete scope."
    },
    {
      "id": "everest-18",
      "lesson_number": 18,
      "title": "True Binaural Listening",
      "assignment": "Use headphones with left and right correctly oriented. Describe position, distance, and whether images seem inside or outside your head. Compare with the source explanation.",
      "practice_steps": [],
      "evidence_requirement": "Add a labeled sketch explaining the sound behavior you observed, and cite the relevant lesson or source. Separate a listening observation from a physical measurement.",
      "standards": [
        "sound"
      ],
      "assessment_criteria": [
        "Distinguish binaural reproduction from ordinary stereo.",
        "Evaluate spatial impressions using headphones."
      ],
      "assessed_focus": "Connect the observed sound to its physical or digital cause and use a labeled sketch or graphic to explain it.",
      "alignment_scope": "The named work assesses this part of the standard; consult the official source for its complete scope."
    }
  ],
  "teacher_assessment": {
    "instructions": "Assess the work named in each row. Record the file or portfolio entry, the criterion, the result and the next action. Use a practical observation for equipment operation. Give feedback on the learner’s decisions as well as the finished result.",
    "levels": {
      "3": "Criterion met, with independent verification or a successful application in another situation.",
      "2": "Criterion met: the required work is complete, accurate and supported by evidence.",
      "1": "Some relevant work is present, but the intended result has not been demonstrated.",
      "0": "The required evidence has not been submitted or demonstrated."
    },
    "self_guided": "Read the evidence requirement before starting. Save the work, check each criterion and revise any missing or unsuccessful part. Use a peer or instructor for tasks that require feedback or a witnessed practical demonstration."
  },
  "teacher_practice": [
    {
      "standard": "teach",
      "task": "Prepare and teach “Estimating the Frequency of Sound.” Demonstrate the task, then have learners complete it independently.",
      "evidence": "A teaching plan, demonstration or teach-back, and learner work showing the result.",
      "criterion": "State the learning objective, teach a workable activity and show how the resulting student work demonstrates the objective."
    },
    {
      "standard": "adapt",
      "task": "Adapt one practical assignment for a learner with limited equipment, a different way of accessing instructions, or a different way of presenting the result.",
      "evidence": "The original task, the adapted route and the shared assessment criteria.",
      "criterion": "Name a specific access or learning need and provide a usable alternative that preserves the intended skill."
    },
    {
      "standard": "assess",
      "task": "Use “True Binaural Listening” to assess the learner’s decisions and finished work. Plan feedback and a second attempt for one unmet criterion.",
      "evidence": "An annotated rubric, specific feedback, revised work and a brief comparison.",
      "criterion": "Score the work against stated criteria, identify the misconception and provide feedback and a suitable next activity."
    }
  ],
  "readiness": {
    "pathway": "specialize",
    "fit": "About 16–18 after an introductory listening course; prepared younger learners may use selected tracks.",
    "prioritySkills": "Repeatable listening tests; hearing and perception; evidence-backed audio judgments.",
    "priorSkills": "Can keep a repeatable listening log and separate observation from preference.",
    "equipment": "Headphones or monitors, 18 narrated listening tracks, worksheets, quiet playback space.",
    "expectedTime": "Plan 14–20 hours for 18 lessons and practice.",
    "teacherGuidance": "Teacher recommended for level-matched tests and interpretation of results.",
    "educationTitle": "Critical Listening for Audio Production — Advanced Elective",
    "teacherEditionUrl": "/learn/access.php?resource=teaching/everest-critical-listening/teacher.html"
  }
}