COURSE INSTRUCTOR'S GUIDE TO

BEST PRACTICES -

TIPS fOR GREAT COURSES

BASED ON ACTUAL STUDENT REVIEWS

by Carol Bremner

Tips For Great Courses

One of the best ways to figure out what students like and don't like is to read some of the reviews for other courses in your topic area on a teaching platform such as Udemy.

That way, you can see what you should be doing if you want to be a great instructor and what you should be avoiding.

Tips Based On Actual Student Reviews

give helpful resources

show some information that the students can do right away, rather than straight facts
make sure your information is up-to-date whenever possible. If some of your information is dated because the topic changes so quickly, like social media, note that the look of the platform may be a little different.
when you do update a course, mention that fact in your course description
share tools your students can find and delete any that are obsolete
if your course is basic, make sure you mention it is for beginners in your course description as well as choosing that level. Otherwise it may negatively affect your ratings.
have a friend go through your course and tell you any audio or video that could be improved.
if you are showing your computer screen, make sure that the examples are easy to see, including the location of your cursor if that is necessary for the training

Tips For Great Courses

Tips Based On Actual Student Reviews

your students will want to see information about actually completing a task, along with examples and any detailed information that might be needed
most people prefer an overview as well as the details
your course should deliver content, not fluff
vary your voice level and speed - you want to speak fairly slowly and clearly, but not too slow
your students will appreciate information that is given in a logical order, rather than hopping from topic to topic
don't make assumptions, not everyone has a blog, not everyone is familiar with social media, not everyone uses Wordpress, etc.
don't pitch, educate
don't show links that aren't related to the course content
have an action step after your lectures so your students can work along with you. That way, they'll be more likely to remember the content you've covered.
A good course description starts with a good hook, is at least 1,000 words, explains the end result the student will obtain and the value, as well as everything that is covered in the course – using bullets, keywords, and a call to action at the end of it.

Instructor Mistakes To Avoid

Students Disliked the Following:

watching while the instructor searches and types multiple times
too much fluff
expired coupons
lack of response to questions
low audio
deceiving title
talking about other topics rather than course topic
pace too slow or too fast

generic level rather than beginner or advanced
talking too quickly
no practical guidance re the 'how to'
no tools or downloads to use and review
no quizzes to help retain information
very sales pitchy

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Characteristics of Great Instructors

Students appreciated these practices:

simple and step-by-step
inspiring
well-organized

slide deck to download
great examples
don't repeat themselves
show the 'why' behind best practices
give handouts, links, and PDF's
clear graphics
thorough and thoughtfully presented
digestible points
easy to comprehend
immediately applicable
energetic speaking
easy to listen to, not monotone
good pace
clear presentation

Characteristics of Great Instructors

Students appreciated these practices:

relevant content
extensive
quick answers to any questions your students may have
good video
great ideas for every step
don't talk over the student's head
obviously experienced in the topic
seem to enjoy teaching the topic
give a human touch
tons of great resources
hold attention
clear and honest
bigger chunks instead of all extremely short video content
outcomes are clearly explained
information is re-inforced
practice opportunities are given

Are you a Trainer?

Whether you are already training or would like to start sharing your expertise, we can supply course outlines and student handouts to save you time.

"The teacher is very clear and goes nice and slowly. As I am dyslexic - and technology is where my dyslexia impacts me,it is a relief to find someone who can make this topic accessible."

- A.R. - Udemy student

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BEST PRACTICES -

TIPS fOR GREAT COURSES

by Carol Bremner​

Tips For Great Courses

Tips Based On Actual Student Reviews

Tips For Great Courses

Tips Based On Actual Student Reviews

Instructor Mistakes To Avoid

Students Disliked the Following:

Characteristics of Great Instructors

Students appreciated these practices:

Characteristics of Great Instructors

Students appreciated these practices:

by Carol Bremner