Building Course Structure

Learn how to plan and organize your course content into a logical, effective structure that guides students from basics to mastery.

Course Hierarchy

Courses are organized in a three-level hierarchy:

1. Course: The top-level container
2. Modules: Major topics or themes
3. Lessons: Individual learning units
4. Content Blocks: The actual content (text, video, quizzes)

Planning Your Structure

Start with Learning Outcomes

Before creating modules, define:

• What should students know at the end?
• What skills should they be able to demonstrate?
• How will you assess their understanding?

Create a Topic Outline

List all topics you want to cover:

1. Brainstorm all concepts
2. Group related concepts
3. Order by difficulty (beginner to advanced)
4. Identify prerequisites

Design Module Flow

Organize topics into modules:

• Introduction: Course overview and setup
• Core Concepts: Main learning content (3-6 modules)
• Advanced Topics: Optional deeper dives
• Conclusion: Summary and next steps

Creating Modules

Module Best Practices

• Keep modules focused on one major theme
• Aim for 4-6 lessons per module
• Estimated time: 1-2 hours per module
• Include a mix of instruction and practice

Naming Modules

Use clear, descriptive names:

• ✅ Good: "Introduction to Variables"
• ✅ Good: "Working with Lists and Arrays"
• ❌ Avoid: "Module 1", "Part A"

Creating Lessons

Lesson Structure

Each lesson should follow a pattern:

1. Introduction: What will be covered?
2. Content: Main teaching material
3. Examples: Practical demonstrations
4. Practice: Apply the concept
5. Summary: Key takeaways

Lesson Length

• Target: 5-15 minutes per lesson
• Break longer topics into multiple lessons
• Include breaks between modules

Organizing Content

Use Consistent Formatting

• Start each lesson with objectives
• Use headings for major sections
• Include visual breaks
• End with a quiz or summary

Progressive Complexity

• Start simple, build complexity
• Introduce one concept at a time
• Provide examples before exercises
• Review previous concepts

Mix Content Types

Balance different learning modes:

• 40% Text/Reading
• 30% Visual (images, diagrams)
• 20% Video
• 10% Interactive (quizzes, exercises)

Testing Your Structure

Review Checklist

• Is the progression logical?
• Are prerequisites clearly stated?
• Is each lesson focused?
• Are modules balanced in length?
• Do quizzes align with content?

Get Feedback

• Have someone review your outline
• Test with a small group first
• Revise based on feedback
• Monitor completion rates

Common Structures

Sequential Learning

Best for: Programming, math, technical skills

• Module 1: Foundations
• Module 2: Core Concepts
• Module 3: Intermediate Topics
• Module 4: Advanced Applications
• Module 5: Projects

Modular Learning

Best for: Business skills, creative topics

• Module 1: Getting Started
• Module 2-5: Independent topics (take in any order)
• Module 6: Putting It All Together

Challenge-Based

Best for: Practical skills, case studies

• Module 1: Introduction
• Module 2: Challenge 1 + Solution
• Module 3: Challenge 2 + Solution
• Module 4: Challenge 3 + Solution
• Module 5: Final Project

Tips

• Plan structure before creating content
• Keep modules balanced in length
• Use consistent naming conventions
• Review and refine as you build
• Let content guide structure, not vice versa