course work examples

How to Write a Coursework

Coursework projects do not resemble essays, research papers, or dissertations. They are the combination of all three. Students spend less time writing coursework than on making a term paper, but this type of work requires more time and efforts than an ordinary essay - it is made of several essays. Thanks to our guide, each student can discover how to write coursework. If you are running out of time or lack experience to complete the specific coursework, we recommend using our coursework writing services to hire professional academic writers.

What is Coursework and Why Does It Matter?

Coursework definition: General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) coursework is a typical academic assignment, given in the course of study to evaluate the student’s knowledge, skills, and identify the final grade. Many students face this type of writing in the US colleges. One of the examples is a coursework UTD (The University of Texas at Dallas) - the requirements of this institution are strict, and many students fail to submit their papers and pass the corresponding courses.

Such type of assignment helps to have the ‘detective’ hat on: a student observes, examines, and evaluates the chosen topic using credible, up-to-date, and relevant sources. Working under controlled conditions is important. Participating in every school class will help to prepare good coursework by the end of the term. Take a look at the examples of what students of various profiles may face:

• English Composition - English coursework is an extended essay in most cases. A student has a right to pick the topic. The tutors provide their students with the list of recommended titles to choose from, sources to observe & analyze, and a format (e.g., a comparison between different relevant articles)
• Sciences - coursework for science is a complicated assignment. Such type of work appears in the form of a scientific paper to test what a writer investigates and reports independently.
• Geography - geography coursework is about collecting, reporting, and explaining information to reply to a certain geographical question or offer solutions to the problem. One idea is to explore the usage of a shopping mall or analyze the recent tornado. No matter whether you have to prepare a coursework Columbia or such paper for other educational institutions, keep in mind these differences!

Types of Coursework Explained

English Language coursework is the most common type of this assignment. At advanced GCE level, the student will be expected to write a couple of essays, totaling 3,000 words. Every assignment is 20 marks maximum.

An analytical essay : Evaluate, compare, & contrast 3 different sources of data interconnected by a common theme; written /spoken / multimedia content. Discuss different uses for targeting various audiences. Learn more on our blog.

Original essay with a supportive commentary : A student will have to come up with a single piece of media writing in the observed modes (written, spoken, or multimodal). Add a supporting piece with details about the aspects of English language. English Language & Literature coursework is a bit different. The basic requirements are the same, and the parts are:

An analytical study : Sharing an analysis of the chosen piece and its relation to the related content. It will show how well the writer understands the original piece. Tutors grade such works based on the:

• Use of the proper terminology and the coherence of the written words;
• Understanding & evaluation of the way a structure, form, and language create the written & spoken word;
• Opportunity to observe relationships between various pieces of writing.

Creative writing & commentary : Produce a creative piece that imitates the style of the assessed text. Share comments to backup your understanding. The goal is to show the knowledge, prove the competence, and use appropriate language skills in communicating with the target audience. You will also need a relevant coursework resume (review) in both cases. Keep on reading to learn how to write coursework of A level.

How to Write a Coursework: Guide for Students

Several factors may lead to the coursework being disqualified. It is a serious matter! The risk factors include:

• Plagiarism - it is the worst thing that could happen to any type of academic assignment. Lots of relevant information is available on the world wide web today, and the tutors are strict about the issue of plagiarism. Write everything in your own words! If you decide to insert the quotes from the sources, apply the suggested citation format and develop a list of references. Sign the declaration claiming it is your original project. If you're unsure about how to approach this, seeking professional help by choosing to write my coursework can be a wise decision.
• Word count - do not ignore the specific requirements concerning the length of the coursework. Specify if the footnotes, appendices, & references are included in the word count.
• Topics - go through the list of available themes. If there is an examination planned on the specific topic, try to pick another idea for the coursework.
• Tutor’s assistance - do not ignore the help of your instructor, ask them to provide guidance on what to write. Ask the questions to learn more details, but keep in mind they can go through the 1st draft once and just offer some general recommendations.

Choosing a Topic for Your Project

Dedicate enough time to this extra important question. Select the field of your interest if it is possible to relate it to the course. That is the golden rule of choosing a coursework topic - keep in mind the rest of the hints:

• Analyze the offered list of topics or develop yours
• Pick a topic from the area of your expertise related to the studied subject
• Select the topic you are interested in
• Choose the topic you’ve started to observe in the past
• Check how much relevant, up-to-date information is available on the Internet about each of the topics
• Pick what you can measure, change, & control (they call it a ‘fair test’)
• Use the ideas of previous researchers and students
• Do not choose a topic with a vast scope - you risk struggling to research it correctly

10 Good Coursework Topics

• Non-traditional Forms of Poetry with TC Tolbert
• Documentary Foundations: Usage of Oral Histories with Beth Alvarado
• Traditional Forms of Poetry
• Hermit Crabs: Type of Fiction
• Writing the Autobiographical Poem
• Creative Non-Fiction on the Examples of New Journalists
• Authors without Borders
• Writing the Sticky Stuff
• Socially Engaged Literary Arts
• Common Vocabulary

Research & Data Collection

Research is an integral part of coursework. Have you written research papers before? If yes, you will find it easier to select proper primary & secondary sources and gather the necessary information (evidence to support the main point - thesis). Depending on the required paper format, cite & reference the following sources:

• Books & e-Books

Base the project on a specific hypothesis. The research must start with minimum one hypothesis. The research stage for some topics may consist of visiting websites to collect information. Leave another time for collecting the data as it is the heart of the research. Three methods of data collection are known:

• Direct personal investigation : The one an author does individually (using literature and findings from previous studies);
• Interview/Questionnaire : The researcher should gather the data from the respondents asking questions regarding required data;
• Discussion with community leaders : Community leaders are approached to fetch information for the necessary data.

In case a student works on a scientific experiment, they should pay attention to planning the analysis with the help of rigorous scientific methods (keeping in mind the Health & Safety precautions you take). Review background information and theories. Take notes to express what you expect to occur to compare & contrast it to what happened in real life. In the write-up stage, one has to evaluate and present the findings.

Writing a Coursework Outline

The writing process follows the research. Do not start it without preparing an action plan and scheduling the work - a paper pin for English coursework is based on an extended essay . An outline will look different for the science coursework projects. The goal of creating a plan is to prevent a writer from being disorganized and waffling.

Let us explain coursework outline on the specific example - a project on the global pursuit of lower costs and the role of human rights.

Start with the brief introduction explaining why it might be a topic of interest for many people. Mention those vast corporations like Wal-Mart abuse human rights by choosing and using child labor in the factories.

Provide an overview of the problem . Define human rights and costs. Pick the definitions from the official dictionaries and cite them properly when inserting in the text. Try to explain the terms in your own words.

Develop a body of the coursework , start with the case for & against ethical business practices. Using evidence and examples, list the arguments supporting ethical business practices and another side of the coin. Include a business case for ethical practices after the opening body paragraph.

Move to discussing ethical responsibilities ; explain why business organizations should care about the ethical aspects of their activities. After three sections of the body, one can conclude the paper. It can be a good idea to share a fact or statistics stressing the importance of research problem in the essay conclusion. End up with the reference list that may look this way:

• Klein N (2000) No Logo (Flamingo, London)
• Marcousé I, Gillespie A, Martin B, Surridge M and Wall N (2003) Business Studies 2e (Hodder Arnold, Oxon)
• Royal Dutch Shell (2006) 4th Quarter Financial Report at (site example)

Additional Elements

Supporting materials and pictures are a must! The sciences & geography projects require tables, charts, graphs, and other types of images to illustrate the complicated topic. Not only should you add the pictures - it is essential to interpret and reference each of them. A separate part of the coursework where the student list and explains every visual element is Appendix , and it is an optional part. The presence of appendix increases the chances to earn an A+.

How to Write an Introduction for Coursework?

Most of the students underestimate the role of introduction & conclusion when it comes to writing an essay. An eye-catchy introduction is a key to success. The primary purposes of a coursework introduction are:

• To grab the reader’s attention
• To introduce the topic
• To explain the research importance
• To come up with a compelling thesis statement

The opening paragraph shows the depth of the writer’s acquaintance with the topic. Look at the expert tips below. They will help to learn how to write a coursework introduction to make the tutor want to read your entire paper.

What Is an Introduction?

The introduction of GCSE coursework is the opening paragraph that aims to interpret the central questions and purposes of the entire paper. It should have several elements to be effective. Those are:

• A hook sentence
• Background information
• Problem significance
• Solid thesis statement

Advice from our Experienced Writer

How to write an introduction to coursework? The quality of this part predetermines paper’s success. Look at some common mistakes writers do while working on the coursework introduction - try to prevent them!

Ignoring the prompt. Many students tend to neglect the tutor’s instructions. It is critical to read the prompt several times, highlight the main points, research question, rules, and grading rubric details.

Missing a plan. The prompt does not always say to develop a coursework outline. Without a plan for every separate section, it is impossible to write a flawless piece step-by-step. No matter whether you have to write a term paper, research paper, dissertation, or C3 coursework, get ready with the detailed plan. Once you understand how to write an introduction, it will be easier to develop the rest of the paper.

For those who need a helping hand in ensuring their work meets all the standards and deadlines, don't hesitate to buy coursework from trusted professionals.

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

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Coursework Examples and Samples

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Coursework: Requirements for an A+ Paper

• Icon Calendar 5 July 2024
• Icon Page 4102 words
• Icon Clock 19 min read

Academic writing is an essential activity in higher education and comes in various forms. Basically, one of these forms is coursework writing, where instructors assess students’ levels of understanding of a course during a semester. Unlike other papers, coursework assignments evaluate students’ understanding of a particular course and not just a topic in a class. Besides, various forms of coursework writing include essays, term papers, theses, dissertations, report projects, and others. Hence, people need to learn what is a coursework assignment and how to write such a paper effectively.

General Aspects

College and university students undertake different kinds of academic exercises, with writing projects taking a significant portion of their grades. Basically, one of these exercises is the writing of a coursework paper, an assignment they submit at the end of their semester. This kind of work also assesses students’ understanding of a particular field of study within a single semester. In turn, instructors rarely require someone to write a paper for things they learned during a previous semester. Therefore, coursework entails completing various writing assignments, such as essays, research projects, experiments, and presentations that assess a student’s understanding and application of a subject material.

What Is a Coursework and Its Purpose

According to its definition, coursework is an academic project assignment that students are required to undertake as part of their educational curriculum and which they must submit before a final closure of an entire semester. The primary purpose of writing a coursework assignment is to evaluate learners’ levels of knowledge and skills acquisition, meaning such a project contributes to their final grades (Godfrey, 2022). Ideally, coursework is what students learn during a semester, and such an assignment is meant to measure how well they have understood a subject matter. Moreover, individuals use reliable and relevant sources to study, examine, and evaluate a chosen coursework topic (Haines, 2021). As such, this task is very similar to other academic assignments, such as essays, research papers, reports, thesis writing, dissertations, and other types of papers . In terms of pages and words, the length of a coursework assignment depends on academic levels, subjects, institution’s requirements, and its nature and scope, while general guidelines are:

High School

• Length: 6-10 pages
• Words: 1,500-2,500 words
• Length: 10-16 pages
• Words: 2,500-4,000 words

University (Undergraduate)

• Length: 16-24 pages
• Words: 4,000-6,000 words

Master’s

• Length: 24-32 pages
• Words: 6,000-8,000 words
• Length: 32-52 pages or more (depending on the complexity and depth of the research)
• Words: 8,000-13,000 words or more

Note: Some sections of a coursework paper can be added, deleted, or combined with each other, and it depends on specific college instructions. However, a typical structure of coursework covers a title page, table of contents, abstract/executive summary, introduction with a thesis or research question, literature review, methods, results, discussion, conclusion, references, and appendices.

Differences With Other Papers

In any course of their classes, students write different types of papers, including essays, research papers, and reports. Basically, the major difference between coursework writing and these papers is that it assesses people’ understanding of what they have discovered throughout a semester (Couch, 2021). In contrast, essays and other papers assess learners’ understanding of a specific topic, concept, result, or theory. Moreover, students may need to address an issue in their project they might have covered in an essay assignment sometime during a previous semester. As such, a coursework assignment is broader in scope than other papers.

Expectations

Like essays and other papers, a coursework assignment varies from one area of study to another. For example, there is a coursework for the English subject and another for the sciences (Godfrey, 2022). Therefore, individuals are expected to complete their coursework assignments according to their instructor’s or department’s instructions. In most cases, this expectation includes presenting an assignment in an essay format, where they select a title of their choice. Depending on a specific subject, some assignments expect students to collect, examine, infer, and report data when answering a specific question (Haines, 2021). Finally, in college, coursework refers to writing assignments, projects, and tasks students must complete as part of their academic curriculum to demonstrate their understanding and application of a subject material.

When it comes to a grading aspect of academic assignments, instructors look at how well a student has attended to all the requirements and expectations. For instance, these requirements include writing about a choice of themes or text excerpts in a given format (Haines, 2021). In essence, people must use a good approach they believe is likely to give them a higher grade, meaning a technique that helps them to answer a specific question methodically, logically, and critically by using relevant information. In essence, these are three dimensions for grading a coursework assignment (Couch, 2021). As such, to write a coursework paper effectively, one should conduct thorough research, follow a clear and organized structure, adhere to given guidelines, and proofread a final document to ensure accuracy and coherence.

Steps on How to Write a Coursework Paper

Like an essay, a coursework assignment takes a particular structure. Basically, students should understand core components and make sure they address them in their academic writing (Bjorn et al., 2022). In this case, the most significant issue for writers is to ensure a logical flow of ideas. Moreover, developing a thesis statement is essential to provide high-quality essays with a guideline on focal issues. Primarily, these issues are class concepts and theories a person has learned in a specific course during a semester (Godfrey, 2022). As a result, to write coursework, students thoroughly research their topics, create detailed outlines, adhere to specified formats, draft their content clearly and concisely, and proofread their papers for any mistakes.

Step 1: Preparation

Planning or preparation is the first step in writing a coursework paper. For instance, an essence of any form of academic writing is to measure a person’s level of understanding about a particular area of study (Haines, 2021). To start coursework, students begin by carefully reviewing assignment guidelines, conducting preliminary research to understand their assigned topics, and outlining main points and structure of their papers. Since such an project measures what a student has learned in a given course, it is paramount for each person to prepare well when executing an assignment. Here, learners have to choose a topic that they are comfortable with, one that they are passionate about. Additionally, they should generate ideas about their coursework by deciding what is relevant and what is not. In principle, a typical reasoning that guides this decision is a particular expectation outlined in assignment instructions (Godfrey, 2022). Lastly, people should understand their audience – consumers of their work or readers. Like any other assignment, a target audience is course instructors. Hence, writers should ensure their class projects satisfy a curiosity of readers. In turn, some examples of sentence starters for beginning a coursework paper include:

• In recent years, the topic of [subject] has gained a significant attention due to its direct impact on [related field/issue], while this coursework aims to explore … .
• The origins of [subject] can be traced back to [year/era], when [important event/person] first introduced a particular concept of … .
• Understanding [subject] is crucial for [reason/field], as it offers more insights into [related concept or application], and this paper seeks to examine … .
• Currently, [subject] is experiencing a period of rapid development, with new research and advancements being made in areas, such as … .
• By exploring a research question: [research question], this paper aims to examine [purpose of the study] … .
• While much has been written about [subject], there remains a significant knowledge gap in a current literature regarding [specific aspect], which this paper will investigate … .
• During my studies/experience in [related field], I observed [specific phenomenon], which prompted me to investigate [subject] more thoroughly … .
• According to recent statistics, [relevant statistic] highlights the importance of [subject], which this coursework will explore … .
• As [author/expert] once said, ‘[relevant quote],’ this statement underscores a real significance of [subject], which will be a particular focus of this paper in … .
• This coursework is based on a particular hypothesis that [hypothesis statement], and this comprehensive analysis and research will seek to prove/disprove … .

Step 2: Setting Up

After preparation, people should set up the stage for coursework writing. Basically, a first preoccupation is to find sources relevant to an assignment prompt – those that are more likely to provide enough evidence and support needed claims. As scholars review credible sources, they should take notes to provide a strong argumentation in their projects (Walter & Stouck, 2020). Then, another activity involves deciding on a coursework outline, which should help to answer an assignment prompt logically and critically. Lastly, learners should create an annotated bibliography, a summary of each source they intend to use as a valid basis for their arguments in an entire document.

Step 3: Writing a First Draft

After preparing and setting up the stage, students should start writing a first version of their coursework assignment. In this case, armed with notes taken during a review of reliable sources and an outline they have created, people should start with a first draft, where they develop a thesis statement. Basing all opinions and arguments on a thesis, writers should answer an assignment prompt methodically, logically, and critically. For example, a coursework statement is a concise declaration of a main objective or thesis that an entire project aims to explore and demonstrate (Godfrey, 2022). Moreover, a thesis statement should ‘hook’ a target audience and make them interested in reading a substantial part of a paper – a body. In essence, a body section is where students use all the evidence they have gathered about an assigned topic, while a thesis informs a target audience of what individuals have focused on in their papers. As a result, any coursework paper adopts a typical outline, as indicated below:

• Table of Contents
• Abstract or Executive Summary
• Introduction
• Body Paragraph(s)
• Reference List
• Appendices (Optional)

Step 4: Wrapping It Up

It is normal for a writer to make mistakes when writing an academic document. For example, these mistakes include inconsistent arguments, irrelevant content, punctuation errors, and countless grammatical mistakes (Haines, 2021). Therefore, after completing a first draft, writers should read it through, at least twice, to identify these mistakes and correct them. Basically, common processes of correction include revising and editing a written paper. Regarding revisions, students should give their work to a friend or mentor to read it through. In their feedback, these individuals are likely to point out areas where authors should make corrections for their papers to be logical and interesting to read. Concerning editing a complete document, people should proofread their work to ensure it is free of spelling mistakes, punctuation errors, and other grammatical mishaps.

Step 5: Developing Body Paragraphs

A body paragraph of any academic text, including a coursework assignment, utilizes several features to make a whole paper logical. Basically, the first feature is writing a topic sentence that opens up each paragraph (Couch, 2021). In principle, a primary purpose of this feature is to strengthen a central idea captured in a thesis statement. Then, the rest of a single paragraph structure backs up this claim using evidence gathered from different sources. In turn, another feature is a concluding sentence, which closes each paragraph (Godfrey, 2022). As such, a main goal of this aspect is to connect a topic sentence with a thesis statement. Finally, another feature is transition words and phrases that help readers to sense a logical flow of ideas throughout a whole paper. In short, writers use transitions within and between paragraphs to create a logical flow of information and ideas.

Step 6: Referencing Format and Peer Reviewing

Besides ensuring an entire paper is written methodically and logically, authors should see it meets the highest academic writing standards. In this regard, they should ensure it follows a particular format – APA, MLA, Harvard, or Chicago/Turabian. In most cases, an assignment prompt dictates a specific format learners should use. Moreover, a particular referencing manual informs about a typical structure of a whole paper and its format of citations. In turn, another essential activity that students should perform is to commit a complete document to peer review. Here, authors give coursework papers to distinguished scholars, such as a professor or classmate, to assess an overall validity and quality of information used, including sources.

Step 7: Writing a Final Draft

After subjecting a first draft to vigorous scrutiny through revisions, editions, and peer review, people should start writing a final draft of a coursework paper. Basically, this draft should be thoroughly polished, meaning it should be free of spelling, punctuation, and grammatical mistakes, as well as inconsistent arguments and irrelevant sentences (Lawrence, 2020). Moreover, it should indicate an effective use of transitions in paper’s body paragraphs. In short, a final draft is an improved version of a first draft because writers have revised and edited it and incorporated feedback from a friend, mentor, or professor. However, they still need to read through a final draft, at least once, to ensure it is perfect before submission to a grading department. In turn, if someone notes several mistakes, it means another revision is necessary. Hence, a student’s focus should be a correct content, organization of ideas, style of writing, and format.

Types of Coursework

Given that coursework assignments test students’ levels of understanding about a course’s content in a given semester, it means such a project takes several writing forms. For example, these documents include a term paper, a Master’s thesis, a dissertation, or a report project (Godfrey, 2022). Ideally, such a composition is an essential requirement for a student to complete an entire course successfully. It also means such a project is essential to be awarded a degree. Moreover, the only difference between these types of coursework assignments is that they take a different approach to examining and analyzing a course’s content, with each subject taking a unique approach. In turn, common types of coursework projects include:

Writing Techniques

The dream of every student is to pass any assessment and attain a higher grade. In a coursework assignment, learners can utilize different techniques to ensure they attain higher grades after assessments (Haines, 2021). As indicated earlier about a grading aspect of coursework, writers should use an approach they believe answers an assignment prompt methodically, logically, and critically. As a result, every technique they use must allow them to answer a specific question in a way that satisfies these three grading dimensions.

Compare and Contrast

A compare and contrast essay technique is about analyzing two subjects, ideas, concepts, or theories by comparing them, contrasting them, or doing both. Basically, a primary purpose of answering a coursework assignment through this writing approach is that students must not state obvious things (Couch, 2021). Instead, they need to shed light on subtle differences or unexpected similarities between subjects, ideas, concepts, or theories.

Cause and Effect

A cause and effect essay technique allows writers to develop their paper’s body by analyzing possible reasons for and consequences of a decision, action, or event. When organizing a paragraph, students adopt a structure that allows them to arrange defined causes and effects in a chronological or reverse chronological order (Godfrey, 2022). Alternatively, authors can present their arguments through emphasis, starting from least important to most important aspects, or vice versa.

Investigation

An investigation technique involves undertaking an in-depth examination of a topic, idea, concept, or theory. Basically, this technique’s primary goal is to demonstrate that students have gained a thorough knowledge of a specific subject, which is indicated in their methodical, logical, and critical analysis and presentation of information. In esense, ensuring research findings are interpreted and presented in an organized manner throughout a research paper is critical (Walter & Stouck, 2020). Ultimately, such a technique enables writers to demonstrate their articulate understanding of various viewpoints about a particular issue under investigation. 

How to Present Strong Arguments

For an academic paper to capture an audience’s attention and interest, students must not only develop a thesis statement but also ensure they use strong arguments to back up a central idea in a main statement. Basically, the “they say, I say” technique is the simplest method to present arguments properly (Couch, 2021). In this regard, the information that a person uses in answering a coursework assignment prompt should be free of plagiarism and cite all sources properly. Then, another way to ensure an entire writing is persuasive is to confirm that authors have attained a required word count limit without counting footnotes, endnotes, references, and appendices (Haines, 2021). Ideally, selecting a topic that one is comfortable with and passionate about enables an overall writing to be high-quality in terms of argumentation. Besides, students should discuss alternatives with their mentor or instructor. Finally, a thesis statement should not be complicated.

Scope of Research

Students make different kinds of mistakes when writing academic texts. For example, a common mistake in coursework writing involves a scope, where students fail to focus on one area of a particular topic and instead try to be broad in their argumentation (Godfrey, 2022). In principle, they may waste space talking about irrelevant material, leaving them with little space to write about a core idea. As such, an effective solution to this problem is to develop a thesis statement that sets out a paper’s specific agenda. In doing so, authors can realize every time they go off-topic.

Colloquialism

By considering colloquialisms, students may use a language that is not standard for academic writing. Essentially, this problem is particularly common with learners who become excited about a specific topic and try to express their ideas creatively (Haines, 2021). Moreover, a whole project shifts from being evidence-based to a document about an author’s opinion. In turn, a particular solution to such a problem is to pick a topic that is exciting and critically discussed in an existing literature. As a result, students can identify several sources that discuss their assigned topics to use as bases for evidence of their claims and arguments about their central themes.

Common Mistakes

• Lack of Clarity in Thesis Statement: Failing to clearly define a main argument or purpose of an entire paper can lead to a lack of focus throughout a coursework project.
• Insufficient Research: Relying on too few sources or not consulting credible and up-to-date references can weaken an overall quality and depth of an analysis.
• Poor Organization: Not following a logical writing structure can make a paper difficult to follow due to an inadequate flow of ideas.
• Overuse of Quotations: Excessively quoting sources rather than paraphrasing or synthesizing information can make a whole paper seem unoriginal and reduce an author’s voice.
• Ignoring Formatting Guidelines: Not adhering to a required citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Harvard, or Chicago/Turabian) or formatting instructions can result in a loss of marks.
• Lack of Proofreading: Submitting a paper with grammatical errors, typos, and spelling mistakes can undermine an overall professionalism and readability of a project.
• Inadequate Analysis: Simply describing sources without critically analyzing or interpreting the information can lead to writing a biased paper.
• Failure to Address a Prompt: Straying from an assigned topic or not fully addressing a coursework prompt can result in an irrelevant or incomplete paper.
• Plagiarism: Copying text without proper citing attribution, even unintentionally, can lead to serious academic consequences.
• Weak Conclusion: Ending a coursework paper without a clear closure or failing to adequately summarize key findings and implications can leave any reader unsatisfied.

Coursework vs. Research Paper

Ideally, an outline of a coursework assignment is similar to that of a research paper. In this case, an abstract serves as a brief overview of a research paper and informs readers of writer’s focal points. More importantly, such an outline has a body, where writers use different paragraphs to make an argument about a specific topic. In turn, each of the paragraphs begins with a topic sentence and ends with a concluding sentence. Like research papers, body paragraphs of a coursework assignment serve to cement writer’s claims and arguments, which are linked to a thesis statement.

Students should master following tips when it comes to writing a coursework assignment:

• Choose an exciting topic and stick to it. Basically, students come across tons of exciting information about their topic. However, to avoid going off-script, they should focus on their core subject and avoid a particular temptation of using data that may prove irrelevant.
• Use evidence (quotes and statistics) selectively. In principle, relevancy is a significant indicator of a high-grade paper. As such, where authors are not going to refer to some data directly because it adds no value to their argument, they should avoid dwelling on it in their paper.
• Cite sources correctly. When citing sources, writers should note format standards in use – APA, MLA, Harvard, or Chicago/Turabian – as each has a unique approach.
• Revise, edit, and proofread a complete paper. High-quality coursework writing should be free of inconsistent arguments, irrelevant sentences, and spelling, punctuation, and grammatical mistakes.

A coursework project is among writing assignments that students in colleges and universities undertake in preparation for their degree. Unlike other papers, this assignment assesses learners’ understanding of what they have learned in a course in a given semester. As such, students must complete and submit it before a semester comes to closure. Finally, different types of coursework include essays, term papers, theses, dissertations, and report projects.

Bjorn, G. A., Quaynor, L., & Burgasser, A. J. (2022). Reading research for writing: Co-constructing core skills using primary literature. Impacting Education: Journal on Transforming Professional Practice , 7 (1), 47–58. https://doi.org/10.5195/ie.2022.237

Couch, D. (2021). Your guide to college writing . Chemeketa Press.

Godfrey, J. (2022). Writing for university . Bloomsbury Academic.

Haines, C. (2021). Assessing students’ written work marking essays and reports . Routledge.

Lawrence, T. S. (2020). Writing a research paper. International Journal of Radiation Oncology • Biology • Physics , 106 (4), 674–676. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrobp.2019.12.005

Walter, L., & Stouck, J. (2020). Writing the literature review: Graduate student experiences. The Canadian Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning , 11 (1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.5206/cjsotl-rcacea.2020.1.8295

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How to Write a Coursework: Examples and Tips

Coursework is not like other assignments at a college or university. This task requires much more time and effort, which is necessary for research, planning, and writing. In our article, you will learn how to write your academic coursework and find high-quality examples that will help you get inspired for your work. EssayShark knows how to create the best coursework and is ready to share the experience!

Meet Coursework

If you want to know what is academic coursework, then you are on the right site. Academic coursework refers to the various tasks that are given to students as part of their educational program. These tasks are designed to assess students’ knowledge of the subjects they are studying. Coursework may include:

• Essays and research papers . Written assignments require students to research a topic, conduct research, and present their findings in a structured format. In difficult moments when completing such tasks, you can always tell our professionals, “ Write my essay for me .”
• Laboratory reports. Science and engineering courses include conducting experiments and documenting results and conclusions. Work throughout the semester must support the coursework.
• Homework. Regular assignments, given to reinforce lessons learned in class, are often used during term paper writing. They become the foundation for completing such a voluminous task.
• Practical works. Practical experience gained outside the classroom, often related to the subject of study, such as internships or research projects. During the research, the results of practical work are an excellent reinforcement of expertise.

How to Write a Coursework in a Few Simple Steps

Our writers are happy to share their years of experience creating various academic assignments. We have put together a detailed guide on how to write a coursework that will inspire you to get started.

Choosing a Topic for Coursework

The entire process of your work on the project will depend on which topic you choose. Your research can take much less time and be more enjoyable if you find a topic that inspires you. Use the tips below to determine the best topic for your coursework:

• Make a list of topics suggested to you and analyze it.
• Give preference to the topic that best suits your specialization.
• Pay attention to the topics that interest you most.
• Explore the number of information resources from which you can obtain data for coursework.
• Be inspired by the work of students who received positive feedback.
• Avoid topics you do not understand to avoid difficulties during work.

Gathering Information for the Project

To write coursework, you must spend more than one day researching, which will make up most of the project. In difficult moments, you can always turn to coursework writing help , and our professionals will find a way to relieve you of stress. Information sources such as books, online libraries, podcasts, and magazines become indispensable assistants during research.

You should base the project on a specific hypothesis, for which you need to find a method for collecting data. Choose what suits you best and follow the information that will help you succeed in your task. What three methods of collecting information are available to students?

• Personal research. A summary of all possible relevant studies on the topic that other authors have conducted. This method uses various sources of information available on the Internet or in the library.
• Survey or interview. During the research, the student conducts an interview and asks questions to a respondent with the necessary competence in the field of study. For example, this could be a survey of a professor who wrote a doctoral thesis on a chosen topic.
• Group discussion. Gathering in groups, students discuss the information they found and share the sources they refer to in their coursework. Collective research reveals the topic much more extensively.

No matter your research methods, taking notes on each reliable source is best. This will help you retain the information you found and save time searching again. Write down the page numbers, websites, or even minutes of podcasts where you find the information you need.

How to Write a Coursework According to a Detailed Plan

Planning work on the coursework is the next stage after preliminary research. Of course, the structure of the plan depends on the subject of the project, and our coursework writing service has compiled a brief description of the basic plan.

• Start with an introduction to the topic. Write the essence of your chosen topic and mention famous authors who will become an authoritative example and may be of interest.
• Demonstrate the essence of the problem/task. Analyze the main objectives of your topic and provide the essential information you found in the necessary sources.
• Writing the main part of the project. Review the information in detail and analyze the critical issues in your work to provide constructive solutions.
• Providing methodology. Describe the methods you used during your analysis or research.
• The discussion of the results. In your conclusions, demonstrate what results you came to and bring them to the main topic of your coursework.
• Compiling a bibliography. Make a list of all the references you referenced while writing, considering the formatting described in your assignment.

Coursework Introduction

Once you start working and know precisely the coursework definition, after preliminary research and drawing up a plan, it’s time to draw up an introduction. Do not underestimate the introduction because the overall impression of the entire project depends on it. In the first paragraph, you need to interpret the main tasks assigned. Also, in the introduction, you need the following:

• Write attention-grabbing sentences.
• Briefly provide background information from the assignment.
• Focus on the significance of the problem you solved or analyzed.
• Write a clear statement of the thesis you have come up with.

Understanding how to write a coursework introduction will give you an advantage during the professor’s review. After all, how you present your thoughts at the beginning of the project will demonstrate how competent you are in the topic and set the level for the entire coursework.

How to Write a Coursework Report: Tips From Top Writers

Our writers have been helping students with coursework for many years and know how to create a project that will surprise every reader. Deciding whether to buy coursework online or write it yourself is an eternal dilemma. Every expert has their writing secrets, and we are happy to share some of them with you so that you can get a high grade.

• Keep track of time management. You don’t need to put off doing work until later to avoid procrastination. It takes a lot of time to maintain the quality of the text and have time to research all the issues. Therefore, evenly distribute your time at work in your schedule to submit the project for review on time.
• Choose trusted sources of information . It can be tough to analyze information because several sites may have different definitions of the same value. Use only verified information that will not harm your coursework. If you know what is coursework, you clearly understand the importance of the reliability of the research.
• Follow the citation rules. The originality of the content in your coursework affects the final result. Your thoughts may agree with previously published articles, but all you need to do is rewrite parts that are not original. Follow the citation rules when mentioning an expert’s opinion and citing a specific source.
• Avoid empty words. A course project is a lengthy task with much text, but this is not a reason to dilute the text with unnecessary context. Every sentence you write should make sense and reveal the essence of your project. You can always tell us, “ write my coursework ” and receive a high-quality project filled with information.
• Editing is everything. Include several editing steps in your work plan. After writing each chapter of your coursework, edit it. It is best to edit the text after a break to avoid missing essential mistakes. After you complete the coursework, review the project yourself and ask a friend to review it again.

Coursework Examples From Professional Writers

In any job, having a quality example to inspire you is a chance to improve your skills. We are confident that our coursework sample will help you find the right path to success. With the help of our guide, you will not only learn how to write coursework but also see how a professional writer creates similar assignments.

Being a student means constantly watching and studying other people’s success because it is part of the learning process. If you want to see how to cite or format your project correctly, then our marketing coursework sample will help you. With us, you can easily return your lost muse and understand that coursework is not as scary as it seems. You will always find the support you need on our website, whether editing, writing, or searching for a quality example!

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How to Write a Coursework ✔ Tips by Academic Experts

Writing coursework is a unique task, but it’s also extremely common. Students must work on this assignment every year, but they inevitably face problems because coursework simultaneously functions as an essay, dissertation, and research paper. It borrows elements from different academic tasks and helps determine your final grade, so it’s important to do everything correctly. Because of academic pressure, it might take months to get everything together, and you’ll have to apply much effort to succeed. But don’t worry; our thoughtful guide will show you how to deal with it. You can buy coursework online if your time is already short, but if you’re ready for intense work, study the tips we developed!

Coursework Definition and Its Types

What is a coursework? It’s an academic task involving written and practical elements that seek to demonstrate a student’s knowledge of the subject. In every case, it comprises extensive research, and the coursework grade will play a decisive role in your final performance assessment. The point of this assignment lies in encouraging students’ critical thinking and boosting their research skills.

After fulfilling every part of the task, students gain invaluable experience that is bound to facilitate their future studies. Depending on their subject, they might face coursework of different types. Writing, practical study, and experiment are the three most common options. We’ll discuss them in more depth below so that you know what you should expect.

Explaining Three Main Types of Coursework

Writing a coursework means creating something between an essay and a dissertation. It’s the simplest and the most common coursework type that can take a variety of shapes across different disciplines. For instance, if someone is studying Literature, their professor might give them a list of questions that they’ll need to answer in a written format, explaining what made them think this way and justifying their position with arguments. They might also give you a specific topic that you’ll need to explore. Learning how to write an introduction and performing a literature review would be essential here: you’ll rely on other sources and your personal interpretations to create a complete picture of your subject. Your faculty will expect to see logical links between ideas, a documented research base consisting of credible sources, as well as your thoughtful observations.

What is academic coursework practical study? This is a more complex type of work. Imagine that we study History. Our topic entails establishing how the portrayal of women evolved in China. We’ll have to do theoretical research consulting other relevant sources, but the focus will be on practical elements. Choosing forms of art depicting women through the ages and finding and selecting excerpts from ancient literature about them would form the basis of our knowledge and insights. 

So, when working on your coursework, do practical research that comes from you and your unique effort. This is similar to the experiment type: the only difference is that with the latter, you’ll have to focus on a practical part in particular. Choosing your area of research is vital: you need a hypothesis, a focus group you could use as a sample, and a special research design. You could interview people, send questionnaires to them, observe them, etc. In both tasks, your professor will value your original insights and the thoroughness of your research.

Facts that Might Earn You an Automatic Falling Grade

Another crucial element students must know is the examples of coursework violations. Everyone wants to avoid it for obvious reasons, but not everyone succeeds. Plagiarism is the first and worst issue. It may ruin everything you’ve worked for. Some faculties use softer approaches: they have a threshold of about 10% plagiarism. Their coursework will be deemed original if their students don’t deviate from this norm. But other professors might fail you even for one uncited claim. That is why you must use plagiarism detectors before submitting your work anywhere. Also, pay attention to claims people don’t know about and which you use in your coursework. For example, if you claim that women wore only dresses in China in 1200, you’ll need to point out a source from which you got this info. Ask your parents or friends if they know this information: if the answer is no, make a citation.

Word count within your coursework essay is also important. If your professor told everyone to write 2000 words, yet you wrote 1500, they might fail you either entirely or partly. Take your time. Writing more isn’t a good idea as well.  Sure, it might win you more points for effort, but some professors won’t be happy with having extra work, and your grade will suffer. Select a good topic that corresponds to your subject and academic level. To be safe, get approval from your supervisor in advance because there is nothing worse than wasting months on work that will bring you nothing but failure. If you worry too much or the assignment is too important, and you think you lack time or knowledge, know that TopEssayWriting is aware of all these nuances and is willing to take care of it. Get the best essay writers for hire , and they’ll craft and perfect your coursework by the day you need it. Unlike students, they have extensive experience, and they’ll guarantee solid original research, appropriate word count and topic, as well as perfect formatting.

A Plan of Writing Coursework for Students

You know coursework definition already; you have heard about its types and nuances they entail. But how to write this kind of project? We’re going to list all relevant steps and describe them. First of all, take a look at the image below. It features a summary of each step. You can save and use it whenever you need it; share it with friends who might struggle with their coursework, too.

• Choosing a topic: look for inspiring ideas online, consider your sphere of interest, or consult your professor to pick the best topic.
• Research and collecting data: use Google Scholar or any other academic database to locate relevant academic articles, books, or websites. They must be credible.
• Organization:  Analyze and categorize your findings.
• Developing outline: create an outline listing the major topics you plan on working within each of your paragraphs.
• Making the first draft: write an initial version of your paper by relying on your draft and briefly explore all ideas from it.
• Editing coursework: edit your coursework and flesh out your points until everything looks perfect.

But now, let’s review each stage of writing coursework thoroughly.

Step 1: Knowing What Topic to Choose

Selecting a strong topic is one of the guarantees of success. If you like it, if it’s relevant and has a lot of materials dedicated to it, you’ll enjoy doing research, and your professor will likely enjoy reading it. Some tips for making a good final choice: consult your supervisor if you have a trust-based relationship and know they’ll welcome it. If not, try online lists. There are plenty of them — in fact, we’ll offer you three potential topics right here! Just ensure your topic is broad enough to warrant lengthy research and avoid trite ideas. No one wants to hear about capital punishment, abortions, or marijuana because these topics are incredibly overused. Check these examples out.

1) Effect of Crowd Behavior on Victim Blaming

This example of coursework topic is interesting because most people can relate to it, plus it offers a wide territory for research. Everyone was a victim once in some minor or major way. Did you feel like you were blamed for something that happened to you? Or perhaps you felt inclined to blame someone when learning about what they experienced? The area of crowd behavior is also fascinating. Twenty people can be decent and law-abiding, but they can do horrifying things when put together. Why is that? Explore both topics, combine them using logical links, and enjoy many articles that could guide you.

2) Should There Be Any Regulations Concerning Fictional Content?

This coursework example is intriguing because it concerns a relevant topic. There is an increasing number of people who think that watching TV shows about murders or unequal relationships might automatically make viewers murderers and abusers. Take one or both sides of the issue; research them, their history, and examples of bans on fiction in the past; you could also choose any perspective from which to view it, be it legal, ethical, philosophical, or even religious.

3) What Strategies Can Help a Small Country Win a War against a Large Country

The value of this topic is its relevance. The war in Ukraine demonstrates how a large empire cannot defeat a small country. Ukraine is far from winning, so explore the current situation and past examples involving similar circumstances. It could be interesting and educational both.

Step 2: Starting Your Research

Doing research is a crucial step in coursework writing. Once students pick a topic, they must find sources that will help them explore their subject and make strong points. We suggest using both primary and secondary sources. The former include raw materials like interviews, memos, or reports; the latter are typical research articles with second-hand information. You can easily find a big collection of diverse sources on Google Scholar or in your college library. Just ensure that your chosen source is credible. If it’s a blog by an enthusiast, stay away from it. Wiki is a big no since any person can edit it. Check if the article has DOI, use websites with .edu or .gov, and rely on books published by academic houses. Remember that the fresher a source is, the more its relevance increases. Some professors insist students shouldn’t use articles older than 3 or 5 years.

Step 3: Organization

Take notes as you research or make a table with sources you’ll use, might use, or won’t use. It’ll help keep your research process organized. This organization is crucial as it allows you to categorize your findings, making it easier to reference them later. By sorting the information into different themes or arguments, you can identify areas where you have enough data and areas where further research might be needed. This step also helps in avoiding redundancy and ensuring that all your sources are relevant and contribute meaningfully to your argument. An organized approach to your research not only streamlines the writing process but also ensures a well-rounded and thorough exploration of your topic.

Step 4: Working on an Outline

What is coursework outline? It’s a short summary of key points that will be present in your essay. First, deal with technical elements: make a timeline of when you’ll be doing what. If you have four months to complete your coursework, dedicate month 1 to research, month 2 to outlines and drafts, month 3 to writing, and month 4 to final polishing. Having a schedule always helps stay on track. You’ll also need to structure your outline properly. Here is a potential overview of its structure:

• Introduction: include your thesis and sketch your topic’s background here.
• Literature Review:  Summarize the current state of research on your topic.
• Methodology: describe how you collected data and what samples you used.
• Main Body:  List the main ideas or arguments—present data, quotes, or examples to support your points.
• Analysis & Discussion: Interpret and analyze the results of your research.
• Conclusion: make recommendations for future research
• References:  List all sources cited in your coursework in the appropriate format.
• Appendices:  Include any additional material like charts, graphs, or raw data.

Adding just a few lines would be sufficient here. This outline will come in handy more often than you think: it will remind you whenever you forget what you want to do.

Take nuances of your formatting style into consideration, too. APA, for example, requires a title page and an abstract. This is how to reference a claim: “King Valluar died in 1444, leaving a record number of 214 children behind (Foster, 2022).” Add a page number when using a direct quote like this: (Foster, 2022, p. 13).

Our suggestion: stay strictly on topic. Understand its final point, break it into major points, and make every section in an outline concise and clear.

Don’t forget about additional elements — preparing them at this stage could boost your productivity later. Some topics require visual illustrations or the presence of tables. Include them. Cite them, make sure they are readable and have good quality; if you’re making them yourself, double-check them repeatedly.

Step 5: Creating the Draft

Start your academic coursework by consulting your outline. Introduction is particularly important as it’s the first section your readers see. Make it engaging by starting with a hook, an intriguing claim guaranteed to secure people’s interest. It could be a controversial claim, a powerful statement, statistics, etc. 

Introduce the topic background and explain what you’re trying to achieve by writing this coursework. After this, it’ll be simpler to move toward the next sections. Don’t feel compelled to develop every point to perfection: brushing against the most important aspects would be enough for now. Keep your structure clean; don’t make paragraphs longer than 200 words. Cite sources in each paragraph at least once, preferably more often.

Step 6: Starting Editing Rounds

Read your draft. Identify its weak spots and correct them. It is time to do it if you didn’t develop your points properly. Keep expanding paragraphs until you reach the required word count, and everything feels complete. Cut the pieces you consider less relevant if the word count is too long.

With this done, check your coursework again for grammar, formatting, and style. Eliminate typos, catch instances of informal language usage (contractions, phrasal verbs, slang, etc.), and compare your formatting to a template. Remember that you could edit paper online with professionals. Our editing service is affordable and accurate, and our experts could give you content and/or proofreading assistance, combing through your text and removing every problem in it.

Exclusive Tips Based on Our Writers’ Personal Experience

As you probably figured out by now, our writers have seen numerous coursework examples in their work. Their years-long experience speaks for itself. We surveyed them, and they identified the three most widespread mistakes students made in their coursework and gave three pieces of advice.

• Failure to follow instructions. It seems like such an obvious thing, but no, multiple students keep treating their instructions inattentively. If professors asked them to explore 5 points, many explored 3 or 4; if they asked to write 3000 words, some wrote much less or much more than that. Finally, some students don’t understand their prompt, research the wrong topic, or not performing the kind of study they were asked to do.
• Lack of coherence. Only some people are good writers. Students often need to be more balanced between ideas erratically, skipping over connections or not elaborating on their point.
• Technical issues. Grammar or formatting mistakes, typos, or informal words are parasites that often slip into students’ texts without them noticing it.
• Re-read your prompt several times. Even if you’re confident you understood everything correctly, better be safe than sorry. Re-read instructions slowly, lingering on each element.
• Ask for help if needed. It doesn’t matter what’s wrong: if you cannot finish your coursework but you want plagiarism free papers of the highest quality, consult experts. They’ll help you.
• Don’t worry about seemingly losing time. Some students think that writing outlines or drafts is redundant. Yes, they might take time, but you’ll save it because you’ll spend far less time on actual writing. Create a solid preparatory base for yourself.

Create Well-Crafted Coursework and Secure Your Success

You know how to define coursework, what types exist, how to protect yourself from a bad grade, and which steps to follow to write a great project. Apply this knowledge in your studies! Start working on your coursework step by step, creating section after section and polishing each until even the strictest professor feels impressed. If something is amiss, contact TopEssayWriting ASAP and formulate your request. We are here every day and each night, serving students and connecting them with the best writers. Order personalized coursework examples, ask us to write a chapter or the entire work, demand editing or grading. Our services are always open to you. Get even more knowledge and succeed in your writing!

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Need the best college essay topics? No worries! Check out the examples of the coolest ideas developed for students.

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How to Write Coursework: Step by Step with Examples

Coursework Writing Guide – The realm of academia is filled with synonymous words that are not really synonymous in technicality. Terminologies and distinct meanings attached to them form the world of academics. Assessments situations for university students, such as an assignment, term paper, response paper, reflective essay, coursework, dissertation, and exam, are those few words that get tossed in their direction time and again. However, the nature of these assessments might be similar, but never the same. 

In this article, we will understand “How to write Coursework.” A few points discussed in the article are the following:

Let us dive into its details. We aim to cite necessary examples whenever and wherever possible to be more helpful.   

Difference between Coursework and Assignment 

Different Types of Coursework in Social Sciences 

Dissertation .

Also Read: How to write Dissertation

Term Papers 

Term Papers consist of an introduction, body, conclusion, and a bibliography. The aim is to present a key idea or a question and then use the following paragraphs to support your argument. There is a word limit set mostly ranging between 3000 to 5000 words. The terminology “term paper” signifies that this assessment is due at the conclusion of the semester or year. It is similar to a review of what you’ve learned. You offer your results in a formal presentation accompanied by extensive research. 

Research Paper 

Also Read: How to write Research Proposal

How to Write Coursework 

As mentioned above, various types of coursework can be allotted throughout the course of a degree. For our better understanding, let us take the example of writing a dissertation and how to go on about it. Although the same steps are applied for all sorts of coursework, they need refinement according to the requirements. 

Step 1: Do your research 

Step 2: narrow it down .

After preliminary research, you acquire some knowledge about your area of interest. The more you read, the more well-versed you become with it. Choosing a narrower topic for a dissertation is important because of limited resources (such as time, word limit, finances). Narrowing down allows you to perform more quality research because you focus on specifics rather than digressing everywhere. 

For example, you have now narrowed your area and think that the Globalization of Food can be an interesting topic to study. 

Step 3: Finalize your topic

For example, you finalize your topic as “A Study of Globalized Food Trends in XYZ University” . 

Step 4: Write an abstract and get it checked 

Step 5: read existing literature .

You now know your topic, so you must start reading about it. Explore different scholarly works that are related to your topic. Reading the existing literature will place your dissertation topic in the continuum of some ongoing debate. It will either guide you to find a research gap within the theme, or it might provide you with a newer lens to look at the same things said and done before. When it comes to reading, no fixed number of texts can suffice. Therefore, it is upon the student to decide how much and how long they want to read and research to compile existing literature. 

Also Read: Literature Review

Step 6: Decide your methodology 

Step 7: start writing .

At this point, you have all that you need. You have done your literature research, and you have collected your data. It is now time to analyze your findings by connecting them with the literature you’ve read. You can start writing your dissertation now. It should include various chapters; the most important and compulsory chapters are Introduction and Conclusion. When you write, make sure that your writing corresponds to your research question/hypothesis and that your data back up your claims. 

Step 8: Edit it 

Writing is a lengthy task, but it doesn’t end with the first draft. Make sure to revisit your work after giving yourself a short break. When you reread your dissertation, read it from a reader’s perspective and make changes wherever necessary. Look out for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, sentence formation, and readability. 

Step 9: Cite and Reference 

Before submitting the final draft of your dissertation, you must check for proper citations and references in your document. Without proper citation, your work will count as plagiarism . In the world of academics, plagiarism is one of the biggest crimes. Therefore, to avoid any uncomfortable situation, in the end, make sure that your entire written piece is correctly cited and referenced. 

How to add citations in Word Document: References → Insert Citations 

Example: Syrkin, A. 1984. “Notes on the Buddha’s Threats in the Dīgha Nikāya”, Journal of the International Association of Buddhist Studies, vol. 7(1), pp.147-58.

Tips and Mistakes to avoid 

Follow these TIPS for the optimum result: 

Avoid the following MISTAKES and never miss a mark:

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Hello! Eiti is a budding sociologist whose passion lies in reading, researching, and writing. She thrives on coffee, to-do lists, deadlines, and organization. Eiti’s primary interest areas encompass food, gender, and academia.

Guidelines and steps for writing a coursework | Tips for good writing

What is a coursework and why to write a coursework.

A coursework is a written or practical work done by student in form of thesis, dissertation, project or paper as a part of course. This is often an essential requirement for being awarded a degree and counts towards successful completion of the course. A coursework is assessed by class instructors or by other teachers in the school. Many students cannot clearly define what is a coursework. In a nutshell, at the “A” and GSCE level , a coursework is written in the form of projects or essays. There are few guidelines and good practices which should be followed while writing a coursework. Perfect examples of a coursework include extended essay, field studies, practical activities, design studies and internal assessment test set. Conversely, each coursework have differing objectives from one course unit to another. In addition, a coursework may incorporate work for which the experiments, topics, themes or parameters of a project or essay have been designed by the teacher, or specified in the syllabus, or selected by the students themselves. Therefore, a coursework is presented in a form of a research assignment meant to reflect the understanding of topics and concepts by the student. Students can handle their coursework either at school under the controlled conditions in class sessions, and/or as homework.

Some rules & guidelines for writing a coursework

Deciding good topic for a coursework

The capability to choose a good topic to write on is a vital skill in coursework writing. All the work and efforts will revolve around the chosen topic. If given the liberty to choose, then the topic should be something you would love to write about.

The steps on how to finish a coursework is easy as it necessitates one to edit their papers prior to the submission. Prior to the submission, students would have time to proffered and confirm features such as word count, word choice, grammar errors, spellings as well as the punctuation mistakes. It is advisable to carry out a manual proofreading as the modern spell checking and grammar checking software can overlook some common mistakes. Importantly, a student is required to include in-text citation according to the writing style used. A well-written coursework is thought-provoking, enjoyable for the reader and enhances the reader’s knowledge.

About The Author

What is Coursework? A Guide for Students

Rebekah Marshall

May 22, 2024

Read Time: 4 min

Coursework is the most significant part of academic writing and requires a lot of time and effort. You should consider the guidance of your teachers and your seniors who have similar experiences in writing coursework. This makes the process of working faster and more effective, which leads to the best outcomes. This guide will help you to understand what coursework is and how to write coursework effectively, based on expert tips from our  coursework writing service team.

What is Coursework?

Coursework consists of all basic assignments given to students to evaluate their level of understanding. It includes many types of assignments, such as essay writing, research papers, discussion boards, and written reports. To get excellent grades and grade point averages (GPA), students must understand the basic concepts of their courses. Coursework is difficult to define, even though it is usually important to complete a specific program. This kind of assignment can be completed in a wide range of formats. 

Importance of Coursework

Coursework is the most common type of assignment that teachers give students to understand their level of learning on a specific topic or subject. Moreover, it shows how well a student understands and uses the topic in various contexts. Through coursework writing, students may improve their research abilities, increase their understanding of a subject, develop their analytical skills, and apply the knowledge they have discovered to use independently. Furthermore, students learn to summarize the topic with key arguments and then draw conclusions by learning  how to write coursework . 

Types of Coursework

Five different types of coursework are given to students:

Analytical Coursework

Analytical Coursework presents a thesis statement or claim and demonstrates how to study different things. It usually focuses on the literary style of the text rather than the synopsis.

Supportive Commentary

Supportive Commentary helps students to create a single piece of media writing. Coursework should be written in an experimental mode, such as written, spoken, or multimodal. Students must also include a supporting statement that contains all the information and aspects. 

Journal Coursework

Writing journals for coursework is regarded as an act that promotes casual writing as a regular activity. This can take many different forms and is useful for multiple purposes. It can be both creative and personal. In order to organize their thoughts, compose their ideas, and respond to them, students are always expected to keep journals as part of their coursework.

Analytical Study

Analytical study is the process of sharing an analysis of the chosen work and how it relates to the relevant material. It also shows how well the writer understands the entire process of writing. Students should use proper vocabulary and must maintain word consistency. Also, understand the structure and format of writing.  

Commentary and Creative Writing

In commentary and creative writing coursework, students are asked to generate creative content that reflects the tone or style of the assessed text. It also helps to share comments to support the knowledge. Additionally, the major purpose of creative writing and commentary is to demonstrate knowledge, test skills, and engage the target audience through various languages.

Coursework Writing Tips

There are some key points that you should keep in mind while writing coursework. 

It is the worst possible scenario for any kind of academic writing assignment. Today, the internet has tons of relevant information, and professors become rigorous in the context of plagiarism. Your own words should be used in all writing! Use the advised citation style and make a references list if you choose to include quotations from the sources. Claim that it is your own project and sign the declaration.

Keep in mind the precise guidelines for the coursework’s length. Specify whether the references, appendices, and footnotes are counted as part of the word count.

Browse the possible topics. Try to pick a relevant coursework topic that is similar to the subject of the upcoming exam if one will be held on it. 

Get Help from Tutor

Never ignore your teacher’s advice; ask for their guidance on your topic. Also, to learn more, ask questions, but remember they may only read the first draft once and give general suggestions.

Perfect Coursework Writing Structure

The precision required for coursework writing depends not only on the writing process but also on the design. Even if you produce a stunning and thoroughly researched paper for the professor, poor design will still result in bad grades. We have chosen the most significant components to build a flawless coursework structure for you after reviewing many coursework standards. The structure consists of the following main components:

Introduction or Opening

The first step is to write the coursework introduction after choosing a topic. This introduction section needs to be extraordinary to catch the reader’s attention. Make sure to include all essential details, and keep it brief or precise. 

Include any background data about the topic you have chosen. Write down your goals as well. This section should contain your thesis statement. Also, write the introduction in such a way that it serves as the reader’s guide.

Main Body 

Your hard work and dedication will be reflected in this section. In the body section, you should add every minute detail you discovered on your research journey. Additionally, this section will be written in the past tense with an informative tone. 

Readers may find research findings boring because they are just stats and figures. Therefore, this section should include appealing tables, graphs, infographics, and charts to make it interesting. Mention each statistic as it is; do not change any findings. 

Summarize your whole coursework in this section. The conclusion needs to be short while covering all the details. You might mention the essential takeaways from the coursework.

How to Write a Coursework: Step-by-Step Guide

This step-by-step guide will walk you through how to write coursework effectively

Research : Gather information from primary and secondary sources, ensuring accuracy and reliability. Keep detailed notes and organize them in a table for easy reference.

Planning : Create a rough outline, deciding what to include in each section. Use a timeline to manage your tasks and meet deadlines.

Drafting : Start writing with the section you know best, using coursework examples to illustrate your points. Focus on gradually narrowing down your topic.

Editing : Proofread for consistency, style, grammar, and punctuation errors using tools like Grammarly. Ensure the document meets word count and formatting requirements, allowing time for thorough editing.

Formative vs Summative Coursework Assessments

Formative assessment assesses students’ understanding of a subject by offering them practice in essay creation and structure which can also be beneficial for tasks like  term paper writing . It assists students in evaluating their strengths and weaknesses and focuses on areas that require improvement. Moreover, formative assessments help instructors identify students’ areas of difficulty and take action to resolve issues

Summative assessments , on the other hand, evaluate students’ knowledge at the end of the semester. Summative assessment includes mid-term exams and final-year projects. When completing courses, it is vital to understand the type of review you are submitting. If you understand the cocoursework’seaning and finish your assignments on time, you might obtain an A+.

Get Coursework Help from Experts

If you want to write your coursework successfully, follow all the steps mentioned above. If you still have difficulty writing coursework, you can get academic writing help at our  essay writing service  with one click. We have a group of experienced writers who can offer you timely, cost-effective coursework help online. 

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How to Write a Coursework: Complete Guide

In all academic writing assignments, coursework is the most important. It reveals students` writing skills. This type of academic writing is used to assess a student’s understanding of a subject. Coursework combines all the requirements needed in all types of academic writing. This means that a perfect coursework paper requires more than just decent and basic writing skills. However, this has been made easier by our team of experts who have combined their experience and expertise to create a guide on how to write an excellent coursework paper and ultimately improve our writing.

Coursework is a type of academic writing that can show the full capabilities of a student. It offers a different environment from an exam room while giving a student a chance to excel. The coursework assignment is an opportunity if you look at it in a literal way. If you cannot perform well in your exams, it can be a lifesaver, but it can be as challenging as an exam.

If that is not enough, our experts can also craft the best coursework paper for you to reinvent your writing ultimately. They have passed through special vetting and training to allow them to provide the highest quality of work for customers. Our company’s primary goal is not to make money but to give the top quality services to students all across the world at affordable prices.

Table of Contents

Coursework Simplified – What is Coursework?

Coursework papers can be described as an extension of a school project or essay. The role of coursework varies from different disciplines that a student is majoring in. When writing your coursework paper, conducting relevant research plays a very vital role. The emphasis required is independent for various topics. Doing the research is like an investigation, and every bit of detail matters largely. Act like a detective when searching, analyzing, and investigating sources of information for your topic.

How to Write a Good Coursework

We strongly recommend you to begin your coursework as soon as you are given such a task. Brilliant coursework needs a lot of time, so you have to start as early as possible. Always stay calm so that you cannot mess up your performance due to pressure. Do not rush to complete your assignment on one sitting. Divide your workload precisely and work slowly from day to day. This way, you can have manageable work to do every day, enabling you to pay great attention to your assignment.

Brilliant Writing Tips – How to Start a Coursework

The most important and vital part of coursework writing is research. Always make sure all the sources of information you use are credible. Various sources like material written by authentic writers, visiting the libraries, surfing the internet, or written class notes can be used as great sources.

Try to be organized and make an efficient timetable before you start working on your assignments. Follow your set timetable and avoid rushing your work. Never work on your coursework when your deadline is approaching. In case of emergencies, preset a completion date before you are required to submit your work.

The Perfect Way on How to Structure a Coursework

If you want to excel in coursework writing, you need to have a good structure. This means:

• Structuring your coursework is essential for all academic writing for a reason. A structure allows a writer to thoroughly layout your assignments and plans on how your final paper will look.
• A coursework structure is created after finishing the studying of your research sources. When doing this, you can loom at good coursework written by other students.
• Be careful not to have plagiarism because it is a huge mistake that can cause you to ultimately fail your coursework paper.
• Create a structure that can provide you with reliable follow up when writing your assignment.

A Proven and Brilliant Coursework Introduction

The introduction is what draws in a reader. It should be enticing but short. Your beginning statement should always draw in your reader. This will make the argument or information interesting, leaving your reader asking for more. Once you have a great beginning and all the context needed, countercheck your paper to make sure it is consistent and coherent. Don’t be discouraged if you write your introduction many times, it means you have a grasp of the right thing to do.

A Great Coursework Body

The body is where a writer states the main argument and fully develops it. Each paragraph should contain a key point clearly supporting an argument. The follow up should support all key points and be backed up with substantial evidence. The body of the essay is the building block for the coursework assignment. The body paragraph will be quite readable if it doesn’t contain large chunks of text. Simple paragraphs of 4-5 lines are quite enough.

A Moving Coursework Conclusion

A conclusion plays an important role in paper writing. It helps to reinforce your argument or main idea of your paper. Our experts insist that you have to restate the thesis statement and main idea of the coursework. Without a good conclusion, your essay will look blunt. This will make your assignment seem incomplete.

https://www.dictionary.com/browse/coursework

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All this said, not everyone can put together with outstanding coursework. That’s why our experts have dedicated their valuable time and effort to writing brilliant coursework.

Our ‘ write my coursework for me ‘ service guarantee high-quality coursework papers that no writing service can top. Why hustle any longer with endless coursework assignments. Use our cheap coursework writing service to get outstanding academic papers. Use your time for other things while our writers toil. Order a paper now!

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• How to Include Relevant...

How to Include Relevant Coursework on a Resume (with Examples)

13 min read · Updated on September 11, 2023

If you are a recent graduate struggling with a lack of work experience, knowing how to include relevant coursework on a resume can be one of the best ways to create a more compelling resume narrative.

One thing that many recent college graduates have in common with one another is a general lack of work experience. That lack of experience can sometimes make it difficult for them to construct a resume that sells their potential to be the best candidate for a job. Fortunately, there are ways to still create a strong and compelling resume, even without experience. For example, did you take classes that might be relevant to the position? If so, including relevant coursework on your resume may be the perfect solution to your resume challenges.

In this post, we will explain how you can identify relevant coursework and where it should be listed in your resume. We will also include several examples of relevant coursework on a resume so that you can see the best options for using these details to strengthen your job search efforts.

What is relevant coursework?

Of course, when we talk about relevant coursework, we are talking about those classes and educational activities that have direct relevance to the position you are seeking. The first thing you need to recognize is that many of the classes you took during your college career will not need to be included in your resume. After all, most degrees require that students complete any number of basic foundational courses that will have little if any relation to their chosen job — at least from a resume standpoint. 

So, what types of classes, achievements, and activities should you focus on as you identify suitable courses to add to your resume? While this sounds like a simple question, it actually requires some serious thought and evaluation. Fortunately, there are some basic rules that you can follow as you make that determination. Below are just some of the potentially relevant things that you might want to include in your resume: 

Coursework that demonstrates that you have a foundation of knowledge in a required aspect of the job you are seeking. For example, if communication skills are needed for the position, you should include courses that focused on business communications, writing, etc.

Projects that are related to particular job skills. For a marketing position, you should include any marketing-related projects you completed during your studies. Or you could include research projects you engaged in if you are seeking a job where research skills are essential.

Academic achievements can also be included, including notably high GPA scores or awards you received. Also, be sure to include any related extracurricular activities. That could include everything from clubs to sporting activities if they helped you develop skills that would be useful for the job.

Again, do not include coursework that has no bearing on the job at hand. This will require you to carefully consider each course to determine its relevance. One way to do that is to read the job posting and select keywords and phrases of import that seem to be describing the skills or educational qualifications needed for the job. Then go through your coursework and try to match courses to those skills. As you do so, remember that some basic courses like those involving communication—both written and verbal—may be included, since communication is one of those soft skills that every company values .

You can learn more about the difference between hard and soft skills by reading our excellent article, Key Differences Between Hard Skills and Soft Skills . A better understanding of those critical soft skills can help to ensure that you don't underestimate the value of any of your classes. There's a great chance that you have more marketable soft skills than you realize! 

When should you include relevant courses on your resume?

Before you add your job-related classes to your resume, you should decide whether it is necessary. For example, you can almost certainly benefit from including your relevant coursework on your resume if: 

You recently graduated from school or are beginning the process of looking for a job because you are close to graduation. Students and recent graduates typically have little or no real job experience to highlight skills. Fortunately, their studies and project assignments will likely have helped them to develop important skills that they can highlight in their resumes.

Your educational achievements are necessary to qualify for the position you are seeking. In those instances, your prospective employer will be interested in knowing that you have fulfilled those requirements and have the basic knowledge needed for the position.

There may also be times when you need to include coursework even after you have been in the workforce for some time. For example, if you are switching careers and your current work experience does not include the skills needed for your new job, that may not matter as much if you can show that your studies prepared you for the role. 

Including coursework related to your minor

As you select relevant coursework for your resume, don't forget to consider courses of study related to your minor too. Hopefully, you will have selected a minor that is at least tangentially related to your desired career path. If so, then chances are that some of the courses you completed may have some relevance that can translate to a useful resume listing. For more information about minors and when they can be added to your resume, read How to Include a Minor on Your Resume .

When should I take coursework off my resume?

Obviously, there will be times when you should forgo any mention of your courses in your resume. Some examples of situations where you might not need to list your specific coursework include:

When your coursework is not really relevant to the position you seek. Including irrelevant coursework could actually distract from your important skills and experiences.

Situations in which coursework was completed so long ago that the information is no longer useful. For instance, many technology-related courses can lose their value over time. Other examples include old marketing courses and other educational achievements that involve skills that have evolved rapidly in recent years.

If your resume is already filled with enough work experience and skills that there is no need or room for specific course details. Remember, you want to add your courses to enhance your value as an employee. If adding a particular course does nothing more than add length to the resume, skip it. 

Where should relevant coursework be listed in your resume?

In most resumes, the coursework should be placed in the education section, with a subheading titled “Relevant Coursework.” When creating this part of the education section, you should insert the subheading under the name of your degree, with a list of the courses you studied. For example:

Bachelor's in [Name of Degree]

[College Name, City, Graduation Date]

Relevant Coursework: [Course 1], [Course 2], [Course 3], [Course 4], [Course 5]

Alternatively, you can also opt to show your courses in a bullet-point list if your resume is short and you need to fill more space. You can even elaborate on each course with a few words to describe the skills you learned in class. For example:

Relevant Coursework:

If you have no actual work experience, you may even want to consider using your education section as a substitute for that experience section. If you choose that option, you may want to place the education section closer to the top of your resume and flesh out each course in the same way you would detail a job listing in your work experience section. That means using detailed descriptions that include quantifiable results highlighting your achievements.

Key tips to remember when listing relevant coursework

Before we show you some examples of how to list relevant coursework on your resume, there are a few tips that can help to ensure that your final product is as compelling as possible. By incorporating these ideas into your resume creation process, you can more effectively make that all-important great first impression on any hiring manager.

Only list relevant coursework if you lack sufficient work experience to meet the job requirements.

Always make sure that the courses you list highlight skills and knowledge needed for the position. If a course has nothing to do with your chosen line of work, it has no place in your resume.

Relevant courses may be related to hard and soft skills.

If you choose to use descriptions for each course, use that as an opportunity to insert relevant keywords from the job description. This can be a great way to ensure that your resume can get past any applicant tracking system .

Always proofread your entire resume to eliminate spelling mistakes, punctuation and grammar errors, and style or formatting discrepancies.

Make sure that you tailor your resume to fit the job you want. Since you will likely be applying for different jobs during your job search, you may need to modify your educational coursework details to align with the needs of each position.

Do not forget to include important skill information in your coursework descriptions. Again, try to use those job description keywords.

If you are maintaining an updated resume throughout your educational career, be sure to continually edit your resume as your coursework evolves over time. This can make it easier to keep it updated and can save you some time when your job search begins.

3 Examples of relevant coursework on a resume

In this final section, we will explore some different examples to show you how you can successfully incorporate relevant coursework into your resume. We have included a couple of examples of the most basic listing options, as well as an expanded sample that enables you to provide more details and skills. You can refer to these samples and use them as guides as you create your own relevant coursework section.

Example #1: The Basics

Bachelor's in Information Technology

My College, Anytown 2022

Relevant Coursework: Cyber Security 101, Business Intelligence, Application Development, Networking and Telecom, Artificial Intelligence

This simple listing would be a good option for anyone who has at least some relevant work experience but who still needs an additional boost to meet the job requirements. In this case, the job seeker's coursework listing is presented in a minimalist format, documenting the specific courses and areas of focus—but without any other information about those studies.

Example #2: Bulletpoint List of Courses

Cyber Security 101

Business Intelligence

Application Development

Networking and Telecom

Artificial Intelligence

This option is similar to the first example but presents the classes and areas of focus as separate bullet points. This provides additional emphasis for each area of study, while also taking up a bit more space in the resume. This can be a great option if your resume is a little short and you need to expand the content.

Example #3: Detailed Format

My College, Anytown

Completed in 2022

Certified Cyber Security Expert, skilled in protecting data, information, and infrastructure.

Coursework included training on risk analysis, threat mitigation, compliance assurance, and cloud security.

Completed multiple projects and research assignments designed to test knowledge and adaptability to various types of cyber threats.

 Business Intelligence

Business analytics certificate, training focused on data interpretation and communication to resolve business problems with a data mindset.

Course included 3 projects testing analytical skills using hypothetical business challenges based on real-world business scenarios.

 Application Development

Courses focused on the development of software coding skills used for web application creation, troubleshooting, and debugging.

Final course project involved the creation of an independent web app to streamline online sales processes for a test company.

Training focused on routing, packet switching, and cybersecurity needs.

Spent eight weeks as a volunteer networking intern for a local ISP, receiving hands-on training from experienced networking professionals.

AI and machine learning studies, emphasizing tech integration into business processes, impact on sales and marketing, and ethical concerns.

Conducted study for the course final, evaluating potential AI benefits for enhanced marketing in the digital age and impact on online sales.

This more detailed example is a superior option for those who have no work experience and need their educational credentials to highlight their skills. In this sample, each area of interest is accompanied by bullet point details describing the types of courses studied and the lessons or skills developed during those classes. In addition, bullet points are added to highlight specific achievements, describe studies and real-world application of skills, and demonstrate competency in the subject matter.

This type of format can enable your coursework section to serve as a replacement for work experience if you have never been employed. When used for that purpose, you can expand on each course listing to include additional skills and keywords from the job post. Simply add new bullet points where needed to flesh out each area of emphasis.

Again, if you choose to replace your work experience section with this relevant coursework section, make sure that you move this section closer to the top of your resume so that it receives more prominence. Basically, if your strongest selling point is your education, then make sure that your important courses are one of the first things that a prospective employer sees. Also, you may want to highlight your educational qualifications in your resume summary so that the reader expects to see those coursework details.

Don't underestimate the power of a well-crafted and compelling resume

Finally, it is important to reiterate just how vital it is that your resume makes the best possible impression. When you approach the labor market with little or no work experience, you are usually already at a competitive disadvantage. There will almost always be someone else who has a similar level of skill and educational background, as well as real-world experience. To compete against a qualified rival, you need a resume that can effectively sell you as the best candidate for the job.

For recent graduates and job seekers moving to entirely new careers, a lack of relevant work experience can be a major impediment to landing job interviews and employment offers. One way to overcome this obstacle is to learn how to use relevant educational coursework on your resume to highlight your qualifications and skills. Hopefully, this post and its resume examples can provide you with the inspiration and help you need to translate your educational experience into a compelling resume narrative. Fortunately, there are ways to ensure that your resume effectively positions you to have the best chance at landing any interview and job. To make sure that your resume is up to par, get a  free resume review  today. And if you really want to be sure that your resume is ready for prime time, take a few moments to discover just how easy it is to get professional resume assistance from our team of experts!

Recommended Reading:

What Should I Say About My Education On My Resume?

Ask Amanda: What's the Best Way to List Education on a Resume?

14 Reasons This is a Perfect Recent College Grad Resume Example

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How to Write a Coursework

What is coursework.

Let’s begin with a coursework definition. A coursework paper is an academic paper written during or after a course. The aim of this paper is to show your writing abilities and how well have you understood the course program. A coursework paper is an independent study that involves active reading and thinking. This paper allows you to communicate your ideas within a certain discipline and track your progress in a particular field of knowledge.

How to Do a Coursework Paper: What’s So Special

A coursework paper is usually assigned to students with the aim to test their knowledge in a particular theme or course. Typically coursework papers are written in the form of extended essays at the end of the year. Depending on your course, you will be completing normal coursework as homework which will be controlled by your teacher.

This paper may take the form of an extended essay, a record of field works, a report, a case study, a book review, a presentation of received information, and more. For example, during math classes your coursework may take the form of answers to a list of questions.

The coursework assignment is usually accompanied by a list of requirements that the student needs to consider while coursework writing. Activities involved in coursework writing may differ from one course to another. The topic for coursework may be assigned by the teacher or of your choice.

If you need to write a coursework paper for the first time, or you just want to improve your writing skills – this guide is for you. In the following paragraphs we will tell you how to write a coursework paper step by step, as well as give helpful tips and an example paper.

How to Write a Coursework Paper Step by Step

1. Come up with the topic. It is necessary to pick a good topic for the coursework paper, as it should be interesting enough to motivate you to make the research and write a great paper. Don’t pick a topic too wide, as you won’t be able to write about everything in the limited word count. You can look through already completed coursework on your course to see what good topics look like. On this there is no need to come up with the full title – you need to find the right direction. If you were assigned a particular topic, then you should check attentively what you are asked to do.

Note: Arrange a meeting with your supervisor for advice. Make a list of interesting topics and ask him or her what topic is better to choose. The teacher will point out what topic is from the right perspective and good to discuss, and what topic is better to put away. If you are lucky enough, you may be advised on a list of books and other sources that contain necessary information related to the topic.

Also, consider the fact that in the future you can mention your coursework in your resume. Think about your future career ahead of time and how to write relevant coursework, resume that contains such projects will be highly appreciated.

2. Conduct a preliminary reading. Conduct research to find out more information about the topic and narrow it down. Choose only reliable and relevant sources of information. Mention the most useful information that you can use as a source for citation and basis for your research.

Try to store all information, links, and documents in one place. Such a habit will be helpful when writing more voluminous works like theses and dissertations. Ask your tutor to help you choose the right topic for your project if you experience troubles with choosing the right one.

Take notes along the research. You can create a document on your desktop and save the most powerful quotes (with links to the source) or just make a bullet list of ideas and main points that came into your mind while reading sources. Always mention the resource for proper referencing.

3. Create a plan. When you have an informational basis, it will be time to create a plan that will help you organize your ideas and time. Don’t strive for perfection, as you can change the plan during writing coursework – it may become clear that some chapters are odd or you need to add a chapter to make everything clear about the topic. You can use any creative techniques and brainstorm to come up with the list of points.

The typical structure of a coursework paper looks like this:

• Table of contents
• Introduction
• Body paragraph
• References list

Select your own paragraphs according to the information available, and ask your tutor for coursework help if necessary. Remember, proper planning is a good way to be sure that your thoughts move in the right way, so that your coursework will have unity and coherence.

4. Conduct research. Choose the most appropriate type of research and choose the needed tools. If you need to conduct a field study or an experiment, keep in mind that you will need to plan them ahead and consider the peculiarities of conducting the particular type of research (resources, people, admissions, etc.). Take notes while conducting the research and analyze the results.

5. Start writing body paragraph(s). Following the paper plan, start creating body paragraphs. Make sure that you highlight one particular idea for one paragraph. It is important to consider requirements and principles of academic conventions while preparing your paper.

Write this paragraph with the idea that your reader is intelligent, but doesn’t know much about your topic. Don’t state well-known information or repeat something that you have already described. Each paragraph should give an answer to a certain question, so make sure that you have created transitions between paragraphs and how it all refers to the main topic.

Use diagrams, tables, and charts to illustrate the received data. Make a short interpretation of the data below the illustration. Use only the data that is directly connected to the paragraph. Add headings and descriptions if necessary. Support materials that don’t relate directly to the paragraph can be attached in the appendix.

6. End your paper with a relevant coursework resume. In the conclusion, it is necessary to sum up the work done and draw conclusions. Repeat the main points in brief form and express your opinion on the current state of the problem. If the assignment asks you to answer a certain question, state the final answer in the conclusion.

How to write the conclusion of coursework? Do the same as with the introduction.

What should be in the conclusion?

• Introductory text about the goal and objectives of the work
• A brief description of the object and subject of research
• Conclusions, for each chapter, starting with the first, sequentially stated
• Conclusion on the compliance of the work performed with its plan, goals, and objectives
• Confirmed evidence of the relevance and significance of the work performed
• Identified tasks and directions for the development of the subject matter of coursework.

7. When all parts mentioned above will be written, it will be time to write the introduction. Why have we left this part for last? It is quite simple. The best time to write an introduction is when you have the full text of your paper and you can say that you know everything about your work. This will help you make your introduction engaging and full of needed information. Don’t forget to write a thesis statement that will cover the main goal of your paper.

The introduction should contain the following:

• Justification of the relevance of the chosen topic
• Review of the degree of knowledge of the problem
• Goals and objectives of coursework
• Subject and object of research
• Description of the structure of coursework
• Characteristics of the literature used
• Description of the research methods used.

8. Edit and proofread the text. As you will finish the last sentence of your paper, put the text aside for some time. Reread your text several times with fresh eyes. Make a grammar and spelling check. Ask a friend or relative who is skillful in academic writing to proofread your text. Also, make sure that your text is readable and logically structured. Each paragraph should smoothly flow into the next. Answer the following questions to be sure that your text doesn’t need corrections:

• Have you identified the key issue in the thesis statement?
• Have you selected relevant primary and secondary sources?
• Have you clearly structured the text?
• Is the information presented in a logical manner?
• Have you demonstrated the relationships between paragraphs?
• Does your writing adhere to the requirements?
• Have you properly referenced sources in an appropriate manner?
• Have you analyzed sources properly? Have you used summarization?
• Does your research fully answer the main question?
• Are data and illustrations at the right place?

9. Prepare for the oral presentation (if required). Some coursework assignments ask students to make a presentation of their research and give an oral presentation. Ask your teacher how much time you will be given for the presentation. Your presentation should have the same structure as your paper. Include only the most interesting and important points in your paper.

Coursework Example Analyzed

We think that theory is good, but practice is better. We accompany this guide with an example you can use as a model essay and learn how a finished coursework paper should look. In the following sample the author discussed the ways of preventing age discrimination in the workplace. Look how the author approaches the topic and organizes ideas into a well-structured text. Please, note that this sample is not a full work – it is only an excerpt of a coursework paper. Check our blog for more coursework examples ! You can use such coursework examples during the writing process to avoid any mistakes in your paper.

Click the images to see their full size.

Tips on How to Write a Coursework Paper

We have gathered a list of tips that you should consider while writing to produce a well-crafted text.

• If you encounter a problem with your coursework, don’t hesitate to ask your teacher for help.
• Make your introduction shine. Professors usually read the introduction with high attention, so don’t spoil the first impression from your work with weak words in the introduction.
• Start working on your coursework as soon as possible. Make a timetable to be sure that you will complete your work on time. This will help you to keep calm, because you won’t be writing in a rush.
• Divide the work into several parts. It is too hard to complete a paper just in one sitting.
• Ask for help if you don’t understand some points in your assignment. Ask the teacher who has assigned this coursework to assist you in your work.
• Always mention sources that you have used in your paper and properly cite this source according to the required formatting style.
• Pay attention to the research part of your paper. Your writing shouldn’t just be a summary of the sources. Gather as much information about the topic as you can.
• Save all versions of your coursework. It will be especially useful if you decide to cut a big part of the text, and then used it once again in another context.
• Strive to finish the final draft of your paper ahead of the deadline. This will allow you to leave more time for corrections and ask your supervisor to give feedback on your paper.

How to Write a Coursework without Mistakes

Here we have gathered a list of mistakes students frequently make while writing coursework papers. It is important to know what points you need to consider to create a good paper. Read them all to be able to avoid them and improve your paper.

• Don’t exceed the word limit. Don’t think that more words will give you a better mark. One of the aims of academic writing is to present information in a correct and concise way.
• Avoid personal opinions in the body paragraph. Leave your thoughts to the conclusion.
• Don’t list references that you haven’t used in your paper just to increase the number.
• If you have found a completed coursework paper on similar topic, don’t copy it! You may be accused of plagiarism.
• Don’t skip formatting and editing the paper. Pay attention to this point, as organizing your text in the wrong way can lower your grade.
• Don’t include in your coursework information that doesn’t relate to your topic.
• Don’t fail to read instructions and demands attentively. Read the instructions provided by your professor and analyze them. Make sure that you have understood everything.
• Don’t concentrate on grammar and spelling while writing. This may distract you from important ideas and mistakes you will correct when you finish the text.
• Don’t forget to leave enough time for the research.

In this article we have gathered an extensive list of advice about how to do coursework papers. We hope that you will find our guide and tips on writing a coursework paper helpful. If you are still experiencing some troubles with your paper, for example, if you are uncertain what type of research you need to do, ask your teacher for advice.

How to Choose Coursework Topics

• Ask your supervising teacher for help. Don’t be afraid to ask your teacher or coursework writer for help. You are still studying and no one will judge you for this. If you already have some English coursework ideas , your instructor will help you to express them in the right words. Also, he or she can tell you if you have enough information for this or that topic or if you should refuse from writing about this theme. Also, your instructor can help you to find reliable sources thatare crucial for writing coursework.
• Define your area of interests. It would be easier to write on the topic that makes you feel enthusiastic. If you can’t find one, choose the least boring for you. Anyway, we sure you’ll find some interesting information no matter what topic you choose.
• Think over prospects. If you decide what college or university you would like to enter, find the information about the projects in this or that institution affiliation. Also, you should think about your future profession. Sometimes, when you don’t have working experience, your coursework can be taken into account. So, think of your future occupation now and take steps toward your goal.

In this article we have gathered an extensive list of advice about how to do coursework papers. We hope that you will find our guide and tips on writing a coursework paper helpful. If you are still experiencing some troubles with your writing, for example, with a research paper, you can always ask us for help. Just leave a request, “ write my research paper ” on our site.

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What is Coursework

First of all, you need to understand what is coursework and how to write it. When one is writing a coursework, they have to do profound research that will reveal their knowledge base. A coursework may consist of design studies, field work, projects, long essays, and other kinds of work. Depending on the particular course, it can be performed in a number of ways. You need to write a coursework not only to show what you know about a particular subject and enlarge your knowledge base but also to prepare yourself to deal with the work you will need to perform in the future.

The Oxford Dictionary defines coursework as the type of practical or written work performed by a student and assessed by their professor. Hopefully, it makes the coursework meaning clearer for you.

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Why coursework is necessary and who assigns it.

Now when you know what is coursework, you also have to understand why it is needed. Usually, a student's mentor or teacher assigns coursework as it is a part of the course structure. Writing a coursework is important since it helps the student reflect on what they have learned from the given course. Realizing the coursework meaning, one can understand the material better and see how their knowledge can be applied in various situations. This type of work also reveals the student's way of thinking and helps them learn how to express their thoughts. Coursework has an utterly diverse nature. A student's instructor can ask them to perform it in a written way and work on an essay, term paper, or thesis (this form of coursework is the most widespread). A coursework can also be done in a more creative way; for example, a student may be asked to create a sculpture. At times, taking a test is preferred by the instructor. In some cases, several types of coursework can be combined into one. Choosing a specific type or a combination of types depends on the course. Whatever the kind of coursework is, it always requires being evaluated. The student's mark will be based on their understanding of the topic, creativity, as well as on the innovative aspect of their work.

How to Perform the Most Important Types of Coursework?

Even understanding the coursework meaning, students have mixed feelings on it. Some of them like to do research, learn new information, and write about the results, while for others, it seems to be an unnecessary task, or even a burden. Whichever opinion is true for you, being a student, you will still have to write a coursework at some point. For this reason, you need to know how to do it successfully. Below you see the list of rules and guidelines that will make this task easier for you.

Read these steps carefully and make sure you follow them as they will help you get started.

Coursework that requires writing:

• Carry out superficial research on the topic of your coursework.
• Settle on your topic.
• Work on the structure of your coursework.
• Make a summary or an abstract and confirm it with your instructor.
• Conduct profound research to find all the information you need.
• While writing, keep on researching the topic more.
• When you are done, check your coursework for plagiarism.
• Make a reference list.

To make sure that your coursework features a good content that is clear and easy-to-understand for your reader, work on the structure of your work. Check out if you maintain its consistency, use relevant information, complete your topic, and make it look concise.<

Coursework that requires to create a model, sculpture, or artwork:

• Find a design or concept you like.
• See how it can be applied to the area of your study.
• Think about what you want to create and decide on the scale of this object.
• Decide what kind of materials you need to finalize your work.
• Find everything you need for creating your artwork.
• Make sure that you have a mental image of the result and make a rough sketch of it.
• Begin working!

Key points you should consider:

• Originality - You need to be sure that your topic or idea is original. It is an extremely important point you have to keep in mind from the very beginning of your work. Numerous researches are being done by numerous people, so you have to make yours stand out.
• Need - Your coursework should be able to answer certain questions or find solutions. For that, it has to identify the key problems and help the reader understand them clearly.
• Uniqueness - Both your topic and your content have to be unique. Make sure to avoid plagiarism and never copy information from other sources. Conduct surveys or prepare questionnaires to add originality to the content of your coursework.
• Your input - This aspect is very important. When working on your coursework, you need to reflect on your topic a lot and understand how you can apply it. If you do it, the purpose of writing a coursework is served. For this reason, do your best to make as much input in your work as possible.
• Outcomes & future applications - Even if you have worked hard and put a lot of effort into writing your coursework, it can turn out to be a failure in case you do not show useful outcomes. Therefore, you need to provide a well-made analysis of the information you used. Make a well-structured conclusion for your topic and talk about the way it can be researched further.

If you keep all these points in mind and follow the guidelines, you will certainly write a good coursework.

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Coursework Examples Help

First of all, where to get good coursework examples? They are available on the forums and writing services online, and, besides, that is where you can find a proper career exploration homework help; a lot of experts there will answer your request – make it simple, like do my chemistry homework for me. When you have examples in your possession, start with a good look at any one of them. This has some resemblance to a case study . Try to perceive the full idea of your future paper – decide what will be its general appearance. Then, use the idea of an outline from any of your examples: read it thoroughly and notice the Contents page accurately.

Why does the author use one pattern while arranging the chapters and not the other? Did it help to reveal the main idea of the coursework more clearly? It would help if you decided whether you could apply the same pattern to your paper as well. After that, read again, and this time follow the author's manner of exposition: notice the sentence format, use special vocabulary, and link words. Again, did the author grasp the concept of making the text sticky-to-the-mind and persuasive at the same time? Is there something that you can borrow for your writing?

On the next stage, imagine that you need to copy the structure of any of your coursework examples to your work. Just try to superimpose both papers, considering all the crucial points: the outline (we have finished with this above); the abstract and introduction; the sections that demonstrate the results and methodology; the discussion, conclusion, acknowledgments, and list of the used literature. The well-developed ability to reproduce is itself the best possible student coursework help.

Working with references - keep following the trodden path

While beginning your work, there is a point for you to consider: plagiarism is strictly forbidden, and in most cases , the fact that you do not mean it does not cancel the possibility for you to step into it. It would help if you rewrote properly when borrowing someone's thought pattern. Also, stay away from translation software while using literature in other languages. Not knowing the rules does not claim your innocence, so make sure that you have made acquaintance with the reference styles, such as MLA, APA, or whatever else you intend to use. We cover for you some basic differences here, but for a deep understanding, please, check with the official guidelines.

There are a vast amount of different academic papers and coursework examples on the Internet, which causes an important question: how exactly such thing as examples can help someone to accomplish their writing? Since all the academic works are highly standardized, the whole process of academic writing can be reduced to something as simple as read-and-repeat routine operation (and that is why you can easily find term papers for sale ).

Nothing is new in formatting, and any materials in the most difficult and complex doctoral dissertation must be put into the strict academic frame, barring none. This gave us some ideas, how even a completely non-professional academic writer can achieve a decent formatting skill in the shortest period - of course, not without putting some heart and diligent effort into their work.

• Be careful where and how you put the date - for MLA format, the publisher (the author for APA) is followed by the date in the citation, and the MLA date is not supposed to be in parentheses, while APA date is.
• The author's name is to be spelled out fully (the first and last names) for MLA format, and for APA, this goes only with their last name (the first must be reduced to initials).
• For MLA the capitalization goes with all the title's major words, and the title itself must be underlined. At the same time, for APA, everything is lowercase except for the title's and subtitle's first words (APA title also is to be written in italics).
• You should name the source page as "Works Cited" for MLA and as "References" for APA.
• Put the author's last name with the page number for MLA in-text citations; for APA, the author's last name and the date must be used. Moreover, do not use commas in MLA to separate the material, leave out p. and pp. while numbering pages; for APA, you should use commas and p. pp as well if the page is mentioned.

The recommendations for writing a masterpiece coursework example

Using the best coursework examples is not enough if you want to compose great writing of yours. We hope that you can create brilliant examples for yourself with some of our tips. To start with, beware of your deadline and never leave your work until the night before - even try writing in advance, because this helps keep your head cool, without tangled thoughts and nervousness. Find a serene and quiet environment where you can keep yourself being productive and concentrated. Be prepared thoroughly and make sure that you know your topic well; decide the aim and objective of your coursework.

You may draw a map of conceptions or visually collect your ideas in any other way - be certain that you do not miss anything crucial, and there are no repetitions. Moreover, it is useful to split your main goal into subgoals and coursework into some manageable pieces so that you will always be aware of the amount of work done. An additional hint: always take notes on some splendid phrases or exclusive idioms, and then use them to jazz up your writing a bit.

The last thing to consider: before turning your work in, read through the accomplished paper at least several times. Check whether your grammar and lexis were treated carefully – lookout with all the verb conjunctions as well as spelling errors. The worst of all is that some silly mistakes can lower your grade in the most unfair way.

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• How to Make Your Coursework as Good as It Can Possibly Be

Many GCSE and A-level subjects are assessed in part by coursework in addition to exams, meaning that the mark you receive for coursework contributes to your overall grade. Many students prefer coursework, because it’s a chance to showcase your academic abilities away from the high-pressured environment of the exam room, making it ideal for those who don’t perform to the best of their abilities in exams. However, the time you have available for coursework, in contrast with the time constraints of the exam room, can lull some students into a false sense of security. Coursework is arguably just as challenging as exams, just in different ways – and, given the fact that you have more time, much higher standards are expected of you in coursework than in exams. Careful planning and research are needed for successful coursework, as well as strong data-gathering and essay-writing skills. In this article, we look at how to produce excellent coursework, from planning to proofreading. This information might also be useful to you if you’re planning on attending an Oxford Summer School this summer.

What is coursework?

GCSE and A-level coursework typically takes the form of an extended essay or project. Its objectives vary from one subject to another, but there’s usually an emphasis on the student conducting independent research into a topic of their own choice. Thus coursework often takes the form of some sort of investigation; it may, therefore, help to have your ‘detective’ hat on as you explore, investigate and analyse your topic. You can usually work on your coursework at home, though it’s sometimes completed under controlled conditions through sessions at school. To give you a better idea of how coursework varies from one subject to another, here are some examples:

• English – English coursework usually takes the form of an extended essay with a title of your choice. You’re usually given a choice of themes and/or texts to explore, and you could choose a format such as a comparison between a set text and another one.
• Geography – Geography coursework usually focuses on the gathering, reporting and interpretation of data designed to answer a particular geographical question. You could investigate usage of a shopping centre, for example, or look at erosion on a particular beach.
• Sciences – coursework for science subjects often takes the form of a scientific project or experiment that you conduct and report on yourself.

Before you start work on your coursework, it’s essential that you have a thorough understanding of the rules. Failing to conform to the rules – inadvertently or not – may result in your coursework (or possibly even your entire qualification) being disqualified, so it’s a serious matter.

• No plagiarism – this is particularly dangerous given the ready availability of relevant information on the internet these days. Make sure everything is in your own words; you’ll need to sign a declaration stating that it’s your own original work.
• There’s only so much help your teacher can give you . They can provide guidance on what you need to include, and on what the examiners will be looking for. You can ask them questions, but they’ll usually only be able to check through your first draft once and offer broad hints on updating it.
• Check the word count , and stick to it. Find out whether footnotes, appendices and bibliographies are included in the word count.
• Check what topics you’re allowed to do your coursework on; if there’s an exam on this topic, you’ll almost certainly have to choose a different one for your coursework.

Choose your topic wisely

Ideally, choose something you’re genuinely interested in, as your enthusiasm will come across and you’ll find it more enjoyable to write. If there’s something you’ve been working on for the course so far that you’ve particularly enjoyed, you may be able to focus more on this as part of your coursework. For science coursework, you’ll need to choose something to investigate that you can measure, change and control; it should be what’s called a ‘fair test’, meaning that you have to acknowledge all the controls you use in the experiment and why. Try not to pick a topic for which the scope is too vast, as you’ll struggle to research it properly and you’re unlikely to do it justice, and it’ll be hard to keep within the word limit. Ask your teachers for some guidance on choosing your topic if you’re not sure what to write about; they might even tell you a bit about what previous students have done to give you some inspiration.

Plan how long it’s going to take

Never leave your coursework until the last minute, even if this is your normal approach to essays and it usually works for you. Make sure you understand when the deadlines are, including time for submitting a first draft for comments from your teacher. Then schedule blocks of time for working on it, allowing plenty of time before the deadline to cater for any unexpected delays. Allow ample time for making corrections based on teacher feedback on your first draft, and keep some time aside before the deadline for final editing and proofreading. Because actual deadlines are few and far between, you’ll need to take responsibility for the writing process and impose some deadlines on yourself to ensure it’s finished in time. Write down your deadlines on a calendar, with the coursework broken into stages and dates assigned to each, by which time each task should be complete. You can base your stages on the next few points in this article – research and data gathering, a structure plan for the piece of work, writing up, and so on.

Conducting your research and gathering data

As coursework is primarily a research exercise, the research phase is crucial, so don’t be tempted to skimp on it and go straight to writing up. Use as many different resources as you can to gather data: books, journals, newspapers, television, radio, the internet and anything else you think might be relevant. For science and Geography coursework, you’ll need to base your work on a hypothesis, so the research stage should start by coming up with at least one hypothesis, otherwise your research will lack direction. The research phase for some subjects may involve site visits for gathering data, so allow plenty of time for this, particularly if you need your parents to drive you somewhere to do so. If it’s a scientific experiment you’re conducting for your coursework, you’ll need to pay careful attention to planning the experiment using rigorous scientific methods (also noting what Health and Safety precautions you are taking), as well as reading up on the background and theory so that you have an idea of what to expect from the outcome of your experiment. In the research stage, make notes about what you expect to happen, so that you can later compare your expectations with what actually did happen. The experiment itself also forms part of the research and data-gathering stage for your science coursework; in the write-up stage, which we come onto shortly, you analyse and write up the results.

Plan your structure

Once you’ve completed your research, the process of writing up begins. Before you get down to the actual writing, however, it’s advisable to write a plan for how you’re going to structure it – essentially an essay plan for English coursework and other subjects for which the coursework is based on an extended essay. It’ll look slightly different from an essay plan for science subjects and others that revolve around project work, but the principle is the same: plan out what order you’re going to present your information in. For big projects, this is particularly important, because with a lot of information to convey, you risk being disorganised and waffling.

Writing up your project

For any coursework, but particularly coursework based around an extended essay, you’ll need to perfect your essay-writing abilities. For science coursework, writing up your project also involves data analysis, as you interpret the results of your experiment and work your notes into formal scientific language.

When you’re writing up, it’s important to find a place where you can work quietly, without distractions that could cause you to make careless errors. You wouldn’t want noise or distractions when you were in an exam room, so treat your coursework with the same reverence.

Supporting materials and images

For some subjects, namely the sciences and Geography, it would be appropriate to include images, graphs, charts, tables and so on in your coursework. For example, for Geography coursework, your extra material could include annotated images and maps of the site you’re talking about, plus tables, graphs and charts. An appendix could then detail your raw data; if, for example, your coursework focused on the results of a survey, you could put the raw survey responses in an appendix and provide summaries and analysis in the main body of the coursework.

Footnotes and bibliography

As we said earlier, it’s important that you always use your own words in your coursework to avoid the possibility of falling foul of plagiarism rules. However, it’s acceptable to quote from another source, as you would in any piece of academic writing, but you must make sure that you state where it is from and use quotation marks to show that it’s a quote from somewhere else. The best way of citing another work is to use a footnote; word processors will allow you to insert one, and it just puts a little number at the end of the sentence and another in the footer of the document, into which you put the name of the author and work, and the page within that work that the quote can be found. At the end of your piece of work, include a bibliography that includes a list of every external source you’ve used in the creation of your coursework. Stick to a set formula when including books. A common format is: Author Surname, Initial. (Date) – Title of Book , page number For example: Lewis, C.S. (1960) – Studies in Words , p. 45 When you get to university, you’ll be expected to include footnotes and bibliographies in all your essays, so it’s a good habit to get into and coursework gives you good practice at it.

The final pre-submission check

Having completed a first draft, received feedback from your teacher, and honed your work into a finished piece of coursework, have a final check through it before you send off your coursework for submission.

• Sense check : have a read through your completed piece of work and check that it all makes sense. Make sure you haven’t contradicted yourself anywhere, or repeated yourself, or laboured the point. If there are any facts that you may have meant to look up to double check their accuracy, do so now.
• Word count : ensure that the completed work falls within the word count, and double check whether the bibliography should be included in the word count. If you’ve exceeded it, you’ll need to work through the piece and tighten up your writing, omitting unnecessary information, reordering sentences so that they use fewer words, and so on.
• Proofread : check your spelling and grammar, and ensure that there are no typos. Don’t just use the spellcheck – go through it with a fine toothcomb, manually, and if you can, ask someone to read through it for you to see if they spot anything you haven’t.
• Formatting : check that you’ve included page numbers, and that the font and line spacing is consistent throughout the work. Ensure that the font is plain and easy to read, such as Arial or Times New Roman.
• Bibliography : check that you’ve included everything, that the format is the same for all sources mentioned, and that the right information is included for each.

Once this stage is complete, you’re ready to submit your coursework along with your declaration that it’s entirely your own work. Get ready for a feeling of immense satisfaction when you finally send off your hard work!

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130+ online course ideas & examples (plus tips on how to get started), share this article.

Online learning offers unparalleled growth and skill acquisition opportunities, making it a prime choice for those eager to advance personally and professionally. 

This article aims to inspire learners and creators by presenting course examples from a variety of fields, like marketing, design, technology, and more. From mastering digital marketing to unlocking the secrets of AI, we showcase courses that inspire and provide actionable insights for creating your own. 

Join us as we explore the diverse world of online course ideas , providing you with 130+ examples and ideas that showcase the best of what digital learning has to offer. Let’s get started on this educational journey together, where knowledge is just a click away.

Skip ahead:

Finding your profitable course topic

Online career growth and leadership course ideas, online business and marketing course ideas, online design and creativity course ideas, online personal development and lifestyle course ideas, online personal finance and money course ideas, online relationship course ideas, online music course ideas, online science course ideas, online sports & fitness course ideas, online cooking course ideas, online parenting course ideas, online religion & spirituality course ideas, online lifestyle course ideas, online technology and innovation course ideas, online academic and tutoring course ideas, other online course ideas, unlocking the power of course creation on thinkific, unleashing potential: the power of online courses.

Discovering the best online course topic isn’t just about teaching what you know—it’s about filling a need and solving real-world problems for your audience. Here’s a strategic approach to uncovering topics that can transform your expertise into a successful online course:

Identify challenges and questions

Start by reflecting on your own experiences. What obstacles have you overcome? What insights have you gained? Then, listen to your audience. What questions do they frequently ask? These inquiries and your answers highlight areas where you can provide valuable knowledge and solutions.

Conduct thorough market research

Use tools like Google Trends to gauge interest levels in various subjects. Explore forums and social media groups related to your expertise. Pay attention to the questions people ask and the problems they discuss. Are there recurring themes or frustrations with existing courses? This research can reveal untapped niches or areas where current courses fall short, offering you a clear path to make an impact.

Analyze and refine your approach

Take a close look at what’s already out there. Can you bring a new perspective to the topic? Maybe there’s outdated content that you can refresh with the latest information or trends. Consider how you can elevate the e-learning experience—perhaps through more engaging content, interactive elements, or offering personalized support and feedback. Highlighting what makes your course different sets it apart and makes it more appealing to potential learners.

Solve a specific problem

People are drawn to courses that promise and deliver solutions to their specific challenges. Define the problem your course solves in clear, direct terms. Then, outline how your course provides the solution. This approach makes your course more attractive and more actionable for your students.

Offer actionable insights and tools

Your course should empower students with practical knowledge they can apply immediately. Include actionable tips, step-by-step guides, and resources for students to implement what they’ve learned. This enhances the value of your course and boosts student satisfaction and success.

Career and leadership development courses need to resonate with the unique aspirations and challenges of your audience:

• Breaking the glass ceiling: Career advancement for women: Empower women with the tools to overcome barriers in the workplace, including negotiation tactics, strategies for increasing visibility, and overcoming gender bias, complemented by actionable advice and inspiring case studies.
• Mastering the modern job interview: Equip job seekers with the skills to excel in today’s competitive job market, from acing virtual interviews to showcasing their unique value proposition clearly and confidently.
• Effective networking strategies: Unveil the art of building and nurturing professional relationships that can open doors to opportunities, focusing on leveraging both online platforms and in-person connections.
• Leadership essentials for new managers: Transition smoothly from team member to team leader, covering effective communication, team motivation, delegation, and conflict resolution.
• Personal branding for career success: Teach professionals how to craft and communicate their personal brand online and offline to stand out in their industry, attract career opportunities, and establish themselves as thought leaders.
• Time management for productivity: Offer strategies for managing time effectively, setting priorities, and achieving work-life balance, enabling professionals to maximize productivity without burnout.
• Navigating career transitions: Guide individuals looking to make a career change, whether shifting industries, returning to the workforce, or starting a new role, with practical steps for a successful transition.

The world of online business courses can be overwhelmingly large, but focusing on entrepreneurship, marketing, and critical business skills can yield significant benefits for your students. Here are some helpful courses:

• Digital marketing fundamentals: Launch learners into digital marketing with this course. Cover the basics of SEO, content marketing, social media strategies, and analytics. Real-world case studies and hands-on projects can equip students with the skills to craft compelling digital marketing campaigns.
• Social media marketing and management mastery: This course can teach students how to effectively manage and grow social media platforms for businesses. From crafting engaging content to analyzing social media metrics, learners can gain insights into building a strong online presence.
• Content writing essentials: Guide your students through the art of creating compelling, valuable content that resonates with audiences and drives engagement. Include techniques for SEO optimization, crafting headlines, and content strategy planning.
• SEO optimization techniques: Dive deep into the tactics that make websites rank higher in search engine results. This course can cover keyword research, on-page SEO, link building, and the latest algorithms used by major search engines.
• Email marketing strategies: Show learners how to create email campaigns that convert. Topics could include list building, segmenting audiences, designing emails, and measuring success through analytics.
• Personal branding bootcamp: Equip students with the tools to build and manage their personal brand online. Cover aspects like defining one’s unique value proposition, leveraging social media, and networking strategies.
• Public speaking confidence: Help students overcome the fear of public speaking and develop the confidence to present persuasively in front of any audience. Techniques for effective speech writing, delivery, and handling audience questions could be included.
• Leadership and management skills: Teach the principles of effective leadership and management, including how to inspire teams, manage conflict, and lead projects to success. Interactive simulations and leadership challenges can provide practical experience.
• Entrepreneurship fundamentals: Dive into the nuts and bolts of starting a business, from ideation and market research to creating a business plan. Interviews with successful entrepreneurs can offer students real-world insights.
• Introduction to e-commerce: Show learners how to launch and grow an ecommerce business, covering choosing the right platform, e-commerce SEO, and mastering customer service online. Real-life success stories can significantly enhance learning.
• Financial literacy and money management: Provide students with the knowledge to manage finances effectively, covering budgeting, investing, and financial planning for both personal and business contexts.
• Introduction to public relations: Teach the basics of crafting and maintaining a positive public image for businesses, including press release writing, media relations, and crisis communication.
• Event planning and management: Guide students through the process of organizing successful events, from conception to execution, including budgeting, venue selection, and marketing.
• Introduction to freelancing: Offer insights into starting a freelance business, covering finding clients, setting rates, managing projects, and building a portfolio.

Thinkific online course example

Entrepreneurs on Fire , led by John Lee Dumas and Kate Erickson, has harnessed Thinkific to support entrepreneurs through their journey with courses like Podcasters’ Paradise, hosting a vibrant community of 3,000 students. Their strategic use of Thinkific’s features, from welcome videos to progress check-ins, has enhanced student engagement and provided valuable feedback for course improvement. Offering free courses like Your Big Idea has generated thousands of leads and bolstered their monthly revenue, demonstrating the power of online courses in growing their business and fostering a community of inspired entrepreneurs.

Unleash your inner artist with courses designed to spark creativity and enhance your aesthetic skills. Here’s a snapshot of courses tailored for the imaginative mind:

• Introduction to graphic design: Start with the basics of design principles, color theory, typography, and layout. This course is perfect for beginners aiming to understand the foundational elements that make designs stand out.
• Photography basics for beginners: Capture the world through your lens. Learn about camera settings, composition, lighting, and post-processing. Ideal for those looking to elevate their photography from snapshots to art.
• Video editing for beginners: Dive into the techniques of cutting, transitioning, and adding effects to create compelling videos. This course introduces popular editing software and storytelling principles.
• Music production basics: Explore the building blocks of music production, including beat-making, mixing, and mastering. Get hands-on experience with digital audio workstations to start producing your own tracks.
• Digital illustration techniques: This course reveals the methods behind creating digital art using tablets and software. It covers everything from basic sketches to fully rendered illustrations.
• Fashion styling and personal image: Explore the world of fashion styling, learning how to create looks that enhance personal image, understand body types, and keep up with current trends.
• Interior design essentials: Transform spaces into aesthetic and functional environments. Learn about color schemes, furniture placement, and bringing a design concept to life.
• Creative writing workshop: This workshop will unleash your imagination and refine your writing skills. It will cover storytelling techniques, character development, and crafting compelling narratives.

Dive into a world of self-improvement and well-being with courses designed to enhance your lifestyle, health, and personal productivity. Whether you’re looking to teach how to master time management, explore mindfulness, or learn a new language , there’s a course for every aspect of personal growth:

• Time management and productivity hacks: This course teaches you to prioritize, organize, and execute your daily tasks more efficiently. It offers strategies to conquer procrastination and maximize productivity, making every moment count.
• Mindfulness meditation practices: Discover the art of mindfulness and meditation to reduce stress, improve concentration, and enhance overall well-being. Suitable for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike.
• Yoga and wellness coaching: Combine the physical benefits of yoga with wellness coaching to achieve a balanced lifestyle. This course covers yoga poses, breathing techniques, and personal wellness plans.
• Healthy cooking and nutrition: Explore nutritious recipes and cooking techniques that promote a healthy lifestyle. Learn about meal planning, balanced diets, and making healthy eating a delicious habit.
• Language learning crash course: Jumpstart your journey to learning a new language with practical tips, essential phrases, and cultural insights. Ideal for travelers or anyone looking to expand their linguistic skills.
• Travel photography tips: Capture the beauty of your travels with professional photography tips. Learn about composition, lighting, and post-processing to bring your travel memories to life.
• DIY home improvement projects: Tackle home projects with confidence. This course guides you through basic repairs, renovations, and decorating techniques to transform your living space.
• Gardening for beginners: Cultivate your green thumb with tips on starting a garden, choosing plants, and maintaining your outdoor oasis.
• Self-defense and martial arts: Empower yourself with self-defense techniques and martial arts fundamentals for safety and fitness.
• Healthy living and stress management: Learn strategies to live a healthier lifestyle while effectively managing stress for a happier, more balanced life.
• Parenting tips and strategies: Navigate parenting challenges with practical advice, from managing tantrums to fostering positive development.
• Pet care and training: Ensure the well-being of your furry friends with guidance on care, nutrition, and behavior training.
• Introduction to sustainable living: Embrace a more eco-friendly lifestyle with tips on reducing waste, conserving energy, and making sustainable choices.
• Nature photography techniques: Master the art of capturing nature’s beauty with techniques suited for outdoor photography enthusiasts.
• Culinary arts and gastronomy: Learn all about culinary arts, focusing on technique, flavor, and global cuisines for aspiring chefs and food lovers.
• Holistic health and wellness: Explore a comprehensive approach to health that integrates physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
• Mindfulness-based stress reduction: Adopt mindfulness practices, such as guided meditations and mindful living strategies, to reduce stress and improve your quality of life.
• Mastering public speaking: This course boosts confidence and public speaking skills with strategies for managing anxiety, crafting speeches, and engaging audiences, complemented by video practice assignments.
• Productivity hacks for the modern professional: Improve time management and productivity through proven strategies, digital tools, and insights from highly productive individuals.
• Building self-esteem for a fulfilling life: Address the roots of low self-esteem with exercises and strategies for positive self-perception, fostering a healthier, happier life.
• Goal setting for success: Outline effective goal-setting techniques, from vision to execution, overcoming setbacks, and tracking progress towards personal and professional milestones.
• Mindfulness for everyday living: Introduce practices to incorporate mindfulness into daily life, reducing stress and enhancing well-being through guided exercises and lifestyle adjustments.

Empowering individuals through financial education can lead to significant personal growth and stability:

• Real estate investing 101: This course unpacks the basics of real estate, touching on market analysis, choosing properties, and understanding financing. Real-life success stories illuminate the path to investment success.
• Mastering personal finance: From budgeting to saving, investing, and managing debt, this course provides the tools for financial stability. Features interactive budget planners and investment simulators for hands-on learning.
• The side hustle success plan: Explore identifying and managing side hustles, integrating them with full-time work. Success stories inspire and guide learners through the process.
• Cryptocurrency investing for beginners: Simplify cryptocurrency, covering essentials from blockchain basics to strategic investing, aimed at safe and informed participation in the crypto market.
• Navigating the stock market: A beginner’s guide to the stock market, highlighting how to read trends, manage investments, and assess risks, fostering informed and strategic investment decisions.

Improving relationships through targeted courses can offer profound benefits to your students’ personal lives:

• The art of modern dating: Tackle modern dating’s complexities, from navigating online platforms to effective communication and setting boundaries for safe, meaningful connections.
• Family harmony: Improving relationships at home: Offer techniques for better communication, conflict resolution, and strengthening family ties, with practical activities for family members to engage in together.
• Understanding attachment styles in relationships: Dive into how different attachment styles affect relationships, providing strategies for fostering secure connections, enhanced by real-life examples and expert insights.
• Effective communication in partnerships: Focus on enhancing communication between partners, covering active listening, empathy, and resolving disagreements constructively.
• Navigating parenthood together: Guide new or expecting parents through relationship challenges that present during parenting, emphasizing shared responsibilities and maintaining a strong partnership.

Online language course ideas

With globalization and the accessibility of international travel, language learning has never been more in demand:

• Conversational Spanish for travelers: Equip travelers with practical Spanish for navigating common travel situations, emphasizing useful phrases and cultural tips.
• Mandarin Chinese for business: Tailor content for professionals dealing with Chinese markets, focusing on business communication, cultural norms, and essential vocabulary.
• Rare languages rediscovered: Revive interest in lesser-known languages, offering cultural and historical context alongside language lessons, promoting cultural heritage preservation.
• French for culinary arts: Connect culinary professionals and enthusiasts with French cuisine through language, covering key culinary terms and phrases, menu reading, and ordering in French.
• English for healthcare professionals: Support non-native English-speaking healthcare workers with medical terminology, patient interactions, and professional communication within English-speaking healthcare environments.

Music courses can attract a broad audience, from beginners who want to learn a new hobby to professionals seeking to refine their craft:

• Guitar fundamentals: A beginner-friendly course focusing on chords, strumming, and simple songs, enriched with interactive play-along tracks for immersive learning.
• Vocal training for all levels: Techniques to enhance vocal range and performance, including anatomy, breathing exercises, and practice routines suitable for every singer.
• Advanced piano techniques: Dive into complex compositions, improvisation, and performance skills for those ready to elevate their piano playing.
• Drumming from scratch: Introduce learners to the basics of drumming, covering rhythm patterns, kit setup, and practice drills to kickstart their percussion journey.
• Music theory made easy: Decode the language of music, offering a foundational understanding of music theory, notation, and composition principles.
• Ukulele in a month: A fast-paced course designed to get beginners strumming, playing chords, and performing full songs on the ukulele in just four weeks.
• Electronic music production: Cover the basics of creating electronic music, from beat making and sampling to mixing and mastering using digital audio workstations.

James Testani, the founder of Good Guitarist , has transformed traditional guitar teaching into a global online school using Thinkific. His transition from one-on-one lessons to creating a comprehensive online learning experience allows students worldwide to discover guitar playing’s joy. From beginner to advanced levels, Good Guitarist offers structured courses, play-along songs, and lessons tailored to different skill sets, all made possible by Thinkific’s user-friendly platform. This hassle-free approach enables James to focus on delivering quality content, from strumming patterns to soloing techniques, ensuring students progress confidently at their own pace.

Science courses offer endless opportunities for engaging content that appeals to students and hobbyists alike:

• Fun with physics: Explore physics through engaging experiments and everyday applications, making complex concepts accessible and enjoyable.
• Mathematics uncovered: Strengthen math skills from algebra to calculus, emphasizing practical problem-solving and real-world applications.
• Exploring the universe: An introduction to astronomy: Engage space enthusiasts with lessons on celestial phenomena, space missions, and stargazing techniques.
• Biology basics: Dive into the building blocks of life, covering cell biology, genetics, and ecosystems through interactive content and virtual labs.
• Chemistry in the kitchen: Merge science with everyday life by examining the chemical processes in cooking, making chemistry relatable and fun.
• Environmental science for a sustainable future: Address global environmental challenges, sustainability practices, and the impact of human activity on the planet.
• Robotics for beginners: Introduce the fundamentals of robotics, including design, programming, and real-world applications of robotic technology.

New Scientist used Thinkific Plus to launch the New Scientist Academy, expanding its repertoire into online education alongside its established science and technology content. The platform’s simplicity and scalability enabled a quick launch, enriching their mission to disseminate scientific knowledge. Leveraging Thinkific Plus’s customization options, New Scientist integrated its distinct branding into the course design, offering an immersive learning experience. With dedicated support from Thinkific, New Scientist Academy was successfully launched within just over three months, marking a significant milestone in its journey towards diversifying revenue through online learning.

The desire for physical well-being continues to drive interest in sports and fitness courses, catering to beginners and seasoned athletes alike:

• Yoga for every body: Tailor yoga practice to diverse needs, promoting physical health and mental well-being with adaptable poses and mindfulness techniques.
• High-intensity interval training (HIIT) at home: Maximize fitness gains with minimal equipment, focusing on short, intense workouts suitable for busy lifestyles.
• Mastering the marathon: Comprehensive training advice for marathon runners, covering everything from beginner tips to advanced strategies.
• Strength training essentials: Guide learners through building muscle, improving endurance, and proper weightlifting techniques for all fitness levels.
• Zumba fitness party: Combine fun and fitness with a course on Zumba, teaching choreographed dances to energetic music for an invigorating workout.
• Pilates for posture and flexibility: Focus on core strength, flexibility, and improving posture through Pilates exercises, suitable for all fitness levels.
• Sports nutrition: Offer insights into optimizing nutrition for athletic performance, covering meal planning, hydration strategies, and supplements.

Jason Yee , leveraging his expertise as a former professional hockey player and kinesiologist, utilizes Thinkific to revolutionize how hockey players enhance their skills. Through his online coaching programs like Downhill Skating System and Train 2.0, Jason offers detailed analyses of NHL techniques and personal support, transforming players’ on-ice potential globally. Moving from WordPress to Thinkific, Jason found a seamless way to share training content, including video reviews and community feedback, significantly improving the learning experience for his clients. His pathway from free courses to paid memberships on Thinkific streamlines the learning process and effectively builds his client base.

Whether for budding chefs or home cooking enthusiasts, these courses blend culinary skill development with cultural exploration:

• The art of baking bread: Dive into artisanal bread making, from sourdough to international varieties, with a focus on techniques and the science of baking.
• Culinary techniques from around the world: Journey through global cuisines, teaching authentic recipes and culinary traditions from Italian to Japanese cooking.
• Plant-based cooking for health: Address the demand for vegan and vegetarian diets with delicious, nutritious plant-based recipes and meal planning strategies.
• Quick and healthy weeknight meals: Simplify mealtime with quick, nutritious recipes perfect for busy weeknights, including meal prep tips and kitchen hacks.
• Mastering the grill: From meat to vegetables, teach the secrets of grilling, covering techniques, marinades, and recipes for the perfect barbecue.
• Decadent desserts: Introduce learners to the art of dessert making, from classic pastries to contemporary sweet treats, focusing on techniques and presentation.
• Fermentation at home: Explore the world of fermented foods, teaching the benefits and methods of fermenting everything from sourdough bread to kombucha.

Parenting is a journey that’s both rewarding and challenging. Equip yourself with strategies and insights to navigate this journey with courses designed for today’s caregivers:

• Gentle sleep training methods: Learn techniques for fostering healthy sleep patterns in babies and toddlers, focusing on routines, sleep environments, and common sleep challenges.
• Navigating potty training: A comprehensive guide to potty training, from recognizing signs of readiness to implementing effective training methods and staying positive through setbacks.
• Mindful parenting: Integrate mindfulness into your parenting to improve communication, reduce stress, and deepen connections with your children.
• Positive discipline strategies: Discover ways to guide behavior with empathy and respect, fostering self-discipline, responsibility, and problem-solving skills.
• Raising digital natives: Equip parents with strategies to safely guide their children through the digital world, addressing screen time, online safety, and digital literacy.
• Parenting through transitions: Offer support for managing life’s big changes, from welcoming a new sibling to moving homes or navigating parental separation.
• Special needs parenting: Provide insights and resources for parents of children with special needs, covering advocacy, support networks, and fostering independence.

For those seeking inner peace and understanding, courses on religion and spirituality can provide meaningful insights and practices:

• Introduction to meditation: Master various meditation techniques for enhancing focus, reducing stress, and cultivating self-awareness, suitable for all experience levels.
• Exploring world religions: Gain an understanding of the world’s major religions, exploring their core beliefs, practices, and cultural impacts to foster greater empathy and understanding.
• The journey to self-discovery: Merge spirituality with personal growth to explore your beliefs, values, and life purpose, facilitated by reflective and mindfulness practices.
• Practicing mindfulness in daily life: Learn to integrate mindfulness into everyday activities to improve mental clarity, emotional balance, and overall well-being.
• The power of gratitude: Discover the transformative effects of cultivating gratitude, including exercises and practices to make gratitude a daily habit.
• Spiritual journaling for healing: Use journaling as a tool for spiritual exploration, healing, and expressing creativity, with prompts and practices for regular writing.
• Chakras and energy work: Explore the chakra system and energy healing practices to balance and harmonize your physical and spiritual self.

Lifestyle courses offer practical advice and skills for enhancing everyday life in various domains:

• The ultimate guide to pet care: Everything you need to know about selecting, caring for, and training your pets, ensuring their health and happiness.
• Urban gardening 101: Transform limited spaces into lush gardens, learning about container gardening, hydroponics, and urban composting.
• Mastering remote work: Maximize productivity and work-life balance while working remotely, including tips for creating effective routines and workspaces.
• Sustainable living made simple: Practical steps for reducing waste, conserving energy, and living a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
• Fitness and nutrition for busy people: Find ways to incorporate fitness and healthy eating into a hectic schedule, focusing on quick workouts and simple meal planning.
• DIY home décor and organization: Create a beautiful, organized home on a budget, with projects ranging from simple decluttering to full room makeovers.
• Travel hacking basics: Learn the art of travel hacking to save money, earn rewards, and travel smarter on a budget.

Stay ahead of the curve with courses on the latest in technology and innovation, designed to demystify complex topics and open up new realms of possibility:

• Introduction to UX/UI design: Master the fundamentals of user experience and user interface design to create intuitive and attractive digital products.
• Introduction to machine learning: Explore the basics of machine learning, from algorithms to real-world applications, and how it’s shaping the future.
• Introduction to virtual reality: Dive into the world of VR, learning about its development, applications, and how to create immersive experiences.
• Introduction to augmented reality: Discover how AR technology blends the digital and physical worlds and its potential in various industries.
• Introduction to robotics: Understand the principles behind robotics, including design, programming, and real-world applications.
• Introduction to quantum computing: Get to grips with the concepts of quantum computing and its implications for solving complex problems.
• Introduction to cybersecurity essentials: Equip yourself with knowledge to protect against cyber threats, covering encryption, ethical hacking, and digital security.
• Introduction to data science: Dive into data science, learning about data analysis, visualization, and how to extract meaningful insights from big data.

Supporting students’ academic achievements and tackling challenging subjects can be both rewarding and impactful. Here are courses designed to meet learners where they are in their educational journey:

• SAT/ACT prep success: Equip students with the tools and knowledge for test-taking success, including strategies, comprehensive review materials, and practice tests.
• STEM made easy: Simplify complex science, technology, engineering, and math concepts with engaging tutorials and interactive sessions for middle and high school students.
• College essay writing workshop: Walk students through the process of crafting standout college application essays, from brainstorming to final edits.
• Understanding literature: Dive into classic and contemporary works of literature, analyzing themes, characters, and historical context, to foster a deeper appreciation and critical thinking skills.
• Advanced placement exam mastery: Offer intensive review sessions and strategies for tackling AP exams across various subjects, aiming to help students achieve high scores.
• Language arts fundamentals: Strengthen students’ grasp of grammar, vocabulary, and writing skills, laying a solid foundation for effective communication and academic success.
• Homework help and study skills: Provide strategies for efficient studying, time management, and tackling homework, tailored to individual learning styles and needs.

Schudio has harnessed Thinkific Plus to empower UK schools and educators, providing them with a powerful online platform for learning and communication. With SchudioTV and The Ability Bridge, they offer on-demand, specialized training for engaging with school communities and supporting students with Autism and special educational needs. Thinkific Plus was chosen for its flexibility, easy integration, and ability to create customized learning experiences across multiple sites. This approach has transformed how Schudio’s clients—over 500 schools—access training and resources, making education more inclusive and accessible.

Broadening the scope of online learning to include niche and unconventional topics opens up new avenues for exploration and skill acquisition:

• Efficient trip planning for adventure seekers: Guide travelers through the nuances of planning memorable trips, including budgeting, choosing destinations, and safety considerations.
• Project management for non-project managers: Demystify project management principles and tools for professionals stepping into project management roles without formal training.
• Digital detox: Reclaiming focus in a distracted world: Offer strategies for reducing screen time, managing digital distractions, and improving digital well-being.
• Creative writing for self-expression: Encourage students to explore their creativity through writing, covering fiction, poetry, and non-fiction, with prompts and feedback to hone their craft.
• Fundamentals of personal branding online: Teach individuals how to build and maintain a strong personal brand on digital platforms, crucial for career advancement and online presence.
• Introduction to home brewing: Learn all about the art and science of brewing beer at home, covering ingredients, equipment, and the brewing process for beginners.
• Survival skills for the great outdoors: Equip adventurers with essential survival skills, including navigation, shelter building, and emergency preparedness, for confidence in the wilderness.

Creating your own online course can seem daunting, but with Thinkific, it’s a journey filled with discovery and success. Whether you’re looking to share your expertise in business, design, technology, or personal development, Thinkific provides an intuitive platform to bring your educational vision to life. 

Here’s a brief guide on how to start:

• Define your course goals: Outline what you want your students to learn. Setting clear objectives guides your content creation and helps you measure success.
• Structure your content: Organize your course into modules and lessons that logically progress toward achieving the course goals. Thinkific’s flexible structure allows for a variety of content types, including videos, quizzes, and downloadable resources.
• Engage with multimedia: With Thinkific, you can enrich your courses with multimedia elements to cater to different learning styles. From HD videos to interactive assignments, make learning dynamic and engaging.
• Leverage Thinkific features: Use Thinkific’s comprehensive set of tools to enhance the learning experience. Features like quizzes, discussion forums, and certificates of completion can significantly boost student engagement and satisfaction.
• Market your course: Thinkific offers built-in marketing tools to help you promote your course. Use coupons, email marketing, and affiliate programs to reach your target audience and drive enrollments.

Benefits of course creation on Thinkific

Course creators have harnessed Thinkific to reach thousands of students worldwide. By focusing on quality course content and leveraging Thinkific’s online course platform, they’ve seen remarkable benefits:

• Increased engagement: Interactive content and community features on Thinkific lead to higher student engagement and completion rates.
• Revenue growth: Premium pricing strategies and effective marketing tools on Thinkific enable course creators to significantly boost their earnings.
• Scalability: With Thinkific’s scalable solutions, educators can grow their audience without compromising the quality of education.
• Brand building: Thinkific’s customization options allow for a branded learning experience, helping educators establish their online presence.

Thinkific success stories

BankersHub® has leveraged Thinkific Plus to redefine financial services training, offering an all-access 12-month Passport membership that supports global financial institutions with the latest industry insights and trends. By choosing Thinkific Plus for its simplicity and scalability, BankersHub® successfully transitioned to online education, enhancing customer autonomy and engagement. Their platform, BankersCollegeTM, simplifies B2B selling and improves customer service through Thinkific Plus’s advanced features, demonstrating a commitment to staying at the forefront of financial education technology.

IntelyCare responded to the urgent educational needs during the COVID-19 pandemic by launching a free online certification course for nurses on Thinkific Plus. Reaching over 500,000 students across 30+ countries, the course’s success was amplified by social media sharing and the platform’s ability to support a large-scale rollout quickly. IntelyCare’s initiative showcases how Thinkific Plus facilitates rapid, impactful educational responses to global challenges, leveraging the platform’s robust integration capabilities and dedicated support.

Ellie Diop transformed her career setback into an opportunity by creating engaging, interactive online business courses with Thinkific Plus. Focusing on a branded and modular student experience, Ellie Talks Money Academy offers in-depth training with built-in accountability, resulting in higher completion rates and tangible outcomes for students. Her transition to Thinkific Plus enabled a more polished and effective delivery of content, emphasizing the platform’s ability to enhance the educator’s brand and student success.

Alacrity Canada

Alacrity Canada expanded its educational impact by opening its Digital Marketing Bootcamp to the public through Thinkific Plus, adapting to virtual delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. Supporting over 6,000 students with diverse content types and interactive learning, Alacrity Academy illustrates Thinkific Plus’s flexibility and ease of use for delivering comprehensive digital marketing training. The platform’s capability to accommodate a wide range of educational materials has made it an ideal solution for Alacrity’s mission to support Canadian entrepreneurs in today’s digital landscape.

SuperHuman Academy

Jonathan Levi’s SuperHuman Academy on Thinkific exemplifies how premium online courses can elevate learning and memory skills for students worldwide. Since 2016, Jonathan has attracted over 120,000 learners to his 12 courses, focusing on productivity, lifestyle design, and personal finance. Leveraging Thinkific’s customizable platform, he’s enhanced course delivery with high-quality videos, interactive assignments, and branded content, setting his courses at a premium price to match their value. This strategic approach improved educational outcomes and allowed for creative marketing strategies, further expanding his reach.

The National Institute for Crime Prevention (NICP) quickly adapted to the challenges posed by COVID-19 by transitioning 64 hours of in-person Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) training to Thinkific Plus. This quick pivot, achieved in just over a month, expanded NICP’s global reach, maintaining its mission to educate law enforcement, architects, and city planners. With Thinkific Plus’s dedicated support and flexible platform, NICP seamlessly converted their expert onsite training into accessible online content, ensuring continuous learning amid global disruptions.

Latrina Walden

Latrina Walden Exam Solutions on Thinkific is a testament to the power of personalized and effective online education in the medical field. Since 2019, nearly 5,000 students have succeeded in their board exams thanks to Latrina’s engaging and comprehensive courses. With a focus on exceptional student experiences and a rapidly growing course library, Latrina leverages Thinkific’s user-friendly platform and supportive community to achieve remarkable growth, transitioning her passion for clinical education into a thriving online business that continues to expand its reach and impact.

Wallbreakers

Wallbreakers leverages Thinkific Plus to bridge the gap between recent computer science graduates and top tech companies looking for specific development skills. By offering specialized online certification courses, Wallbreakers prepares candidates to excel in the tech industry and ensures diversity in tech talent. The platform’s features, like reminder emails and analytics, have been instrumental in scaling their training programs, making it a strategic solution for both job seekers and employers aiming for excellence and inclusivity in the tech field.

Epoch Education

Epoch Education , a leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training, utilizes Thinkific Plus to extend its impactful DEI courses to a broader audience. Transitioning seamlessly to online education in response to COVID-19, they’ve enhanced their training delivery through engaging multimedia lessons, personalized content, and quizzes. With Thinkific Plus, Epoch Education has significantly widened its reach, offering over 50 in-depth courses that facilitate meaningful conversations and foster inclusivity in educational and corporate environments.

Online learning isn’t just about accessing information but unlocking potential. Through platforms like Thinkific, educators are empowered to share their unique insights and skills, while learners gain the flexibility to grow personally and professionally on their own terms. This article has journeyed through various online courses, from the foundational to the innovative, each designed to inspire and foster success.

Thinkific successes like Entrepreneurs on Fire and SuperHuman Academy illustrate the transformative impact of well-crafted courses. They demonstrate that online education can achieve remarkable outcomes with the right tools, a commitment to quality, and a focus on student success. Whether it’s enhancing career prospects, exploring new hobbies, or advancing technical skills, the potential is limitless.

If you’re contemplating sharing your expertise or advancing your knowledge, there’s never been a better time. Embrace the journey, harness the tools available, and see where this vast and vibrant world of online learning can take you. Learn more about creating online courses with our helpful guide, How to Make Online Learning Accessible: a Guide for Course Creators .

Stephanie is a content marketing expert with a passion for connecting the dots of strategy and content. She has worked with industry leaders including HubSpot, Oracle, Travel + Leisure, and Forbes.

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15.1 Evidence-Based Research

Learning objectives.

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

• Describe how nursing research has evolved
• Identify the steps for translating evidence-based research into evidence-based practice
• Understand various models for implementing evidence-based practice

Nurses do not stand alone. They work alongside a wide range of other healthcare providers, ranging from assistive personnel to medical professionals to environmental staff. All these positions, and the organizations that employ them, base decisions regarding their practice on evidence derived from research.

An evidence-based practice (EBP) is an ongoing decision-making strategy that integrates high-quality research with clinical experience and with patients’ preferences and beliefs (American Nurses Association [ANA], 2021; Polit & Beck, 2021). Evidence-based practice is considered one of the five core competencies of healthcare professionals (ANA, 2021). Thus, it is used by nurses and in all other fields of health care. For example, the Trendelenburg position (tilting a patient backward until their head is lower than their feet) was used for generations to manage hypotension immediately. However, studies have proven that while it may work for some patients, it is statistically not beneficial for the general population (Schnur, 2018). Additionally, using the Trendelenburg position has several health risks, including increased pressure on the brain and decreased respiratory ability (due to the pressure of abdominal organs on the lungs). Thus, because of research, current EBP discourages using the Trendelenburg position to manage hypotension.

The many types of research can be organized into two main categories:

• A basic research seeks to answer questions about current conditions without changing them. For example, basic researchers might ask, “What happens when a patient is placed in the Trendelenburg position?” Or, “How does giving patients glucose tablets rather than a cup of juice impact their blood sugar?”
• An applied research uses answers from basic research questions and other sources of current knowledge to evaluate changes to practice. For example, applied researchers might contrast the efficacy of a nurse-driven protocol for managing low blood sugar using glucose tablets (which may require a physician’s order) with the use of juice to manage low blood sugar within the bounds of nursing practice.

Evolution of Nursing Research

Nursing research was in its infancy between Florence Nightingale’s work and the end of World War II, in 1945. The first journal dedicated to nursing research , The American Journal of Nursing , began publication in 1900, and the first doctoral program for nurses opened its doors in 1923 (Polit & Beck, 2021). Most of these early activities focused on nursing education, not patient care. However, in the 1950s, more journals began being published, nursing research centers started opening, and foundations to fund nursing research began to appear.

In the 1960s, as professional nursing organizations recognized the lack of nursing scholarship regarding patient care, they began developing research priorities that included nurses’ viewpoints, which are informed by nurses’ close connection to direct patient care. By the 1970s, quality improvement in patient care had become more important for all healthcare workers, and the expansion of nursing research reflected these needs.

By the early 1980s, at least six major nursing journals were publishing original nursing research, the ANA was holding nursing research conferences, a National Center for Nursing Research (NCNR) operated at the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), and guidelines had been established to assess the quality of research for its usability in practice. Internationally, twenty-five European nurse associations had also joined forces to improve patient care there (Polit & Beck, 2021).

In the 1990s, nursing research continued growing in the United States and abroad. The United States established the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, now known as the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), and the NCNR became the National Institute of Nursing Research. International nursing research groups and journals were also established in Europe, Australia, and Canada. Since the early 2000s, nursing research has come fully into its own, as nurses have become valued partners in the healthcare industry. Nurses have claimed their seats at national and international policy tables, and an army of nurse researchers has conducted and published high-quality research projects.

Clinical Judgment Measurement Model

Generate solutions: using ana practice standard 14: scholarly inquiry.

ANA’s fourteenth practice standard for registered nurses states: “The registered nurse integrates scholarship, evidence, and research findings into practice” (ANA, 2021, p. 100).

Registered nurses should be able to perform several competencies relevant to this standard:

• Identify concerns that may be answered or informed through research.
• Combine evidence-based information with personal experience and patient preferences.
• Engage in evidence-based research.
• Use research to improve their knowledge, skills, abilities, and judgment.
• Share evidence-based knowledge with others to improve everyone’s practice.
• Incorporate research to improve the quality of patient care.
• Explain the value of research to the nursing profession.
• Encourage ethics in research endeavors.
• Review research for appropriateness within given settings and situations.

Today, nursing research is flourishing globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) designated 2020 (the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth) as the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife (Wakefield et al., 2021). That same year, however, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought to light many issues concerning the nursing workforce and patient care. In 2021, the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) published a report on nursing over the next decade: The Future of Nursing 2020–2030 : Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity . The NAM report explores the unique position of nursing, including nurses’ ability to work with all disciplines and to assist in improving health equity (Wakefield et al., 2021). It also offers research priority suggestions for nurses based on the population’s most pressing needs. These include the following:

• Health equity: How can nursing and nurse-led interventions advance the equality of good health and health care across all patient populations?
• Emergencies: How can nurses better prepare for natural disasters and public health emergencies? Where are the gaps in education? What strategies will enable nurses to respond—and care for themselves—more effectively?
• Paying for health care: How can nurses quantify their value in terms of dollars saved by producing nursing-led interventions that improve patient outcomes versus the dollars spent in performing those interventions?
• Nursing education and workforce development: How can both processes be improved? What changes need to be made to improve workforce retention? What do nursing students need to be fully prepared for?
• Nurse well-being: How can nurses be supported more effectively by their agencies, the community, and each other? How can issues of lateral violence and incivility be managed?

Life-Stage Context

Kangaroo care for newborns.

Kangaroo care ( Figure 15.3 ) provides an excellent example of EBP in action. Kangaroo care is the use of skin-to-skin contact—typically between an adult’s bare chest (usually that of a parent) and a baby in only a diaper—for babies in neonatal intensive care units. Beginning kangaroo care immediately after the birth of a premature or low-birth-weight baby can dramatically improve their chance of survival, decreasing death rates by over 40 percent. Numerous studies have shown its effectiveness in helping premature babies regulate their body temperature, improving cardiorespiratory stability, decreasing pain and the chances of infection or severe illness, and facilitating bonding. It is cost effective and can be used exclusively in places that do not have available incubators. This practice was studied first in the 1970s but barely used until the late 1990s. Today, at least one hour of kangaroo care a day is considered best practice for premature but stable babies and recommended as a basic standard of care (Campbell-Yeo et al., 2015; WHO, 2021). Instances like these, in which nurses are firsthand witnesses to clinical behaviors that improve patient outcomes, provide a multitude of topics for nursing research.

Protection of Human Rights in Nursing Research

In a position statement about the nurse’s role in ethics and human rights, the ANA highlights the need for nurse researchers to protect the human rights of research participants (ANA, 2016). Nurses taking part in research are specifically expected to do the following things:

• Ensure patients provide uncoerced agreement to participate in research or treatment. This informed consent must clearly explain the purpose, risks, and benefits of the research, as well as the intended use of patients’ personal information.
• Continually evaluate the risks of the research versus the potential benefits of the outcome and stop research that is clearly harmful to the participants.
• Prevent harm to research participants.
• Engage in research that is relevant and will benefit the participants or people like them.

Everyone who seeks to perform research on a human subject, wants to receive grants or funding, or intends to publish their findings in a reputable journal must protect human rights. Per the NIH, a human subject is a living individual whom a researcher wants to interact with to collect information or specimens. Human subjects also include participants with whom the researcher does not interact directly if the researcher nevertheless plans to use their information or specimens in a way that may make them identifiable (NIH, 2018). Consider a case study of a 45-year-old Black man with a communicable disease such as HIV. In a large urban area where many people of all genders and races have the disease, simply removing the patient’s name from the data may well make them unidentifiable to others. However, in a small community, simply removing the name may not be enough, and patients who are at risk of being identified based on the way their information is presented have the right to human subject protections. Figure 15.4 provides more information about how the NIH defines research on human subjects.

Nurse researchers must consider rules for protecting human subjects when developing research questions and proposals. Generally, researchers take some type of education regarding the use of human subjects. The Office for Human Research Protections (part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) offers extensive, web-based educational modules that meet the requirements for human subjects noted in Figure 15.4 . Researchers who want to publish or seek funding for their work must also go through their facility’s institutional review board (IRB) , a group of people who monitor and approve medical research that will be performed and protect the agency’s employees from engaging in unethical research practices.

Link to Learning

The horrendous treatment of 600 Black men in the Tuskegee Study of Untreated Syphilis in the Negro Male (now called the USPHS Syphilis Study at Tuskegee) was the driving force behind the development of many of today’s rules regarding human participants in research. Check out this video on the Tuskegee syphilis study to learn more about this dark time in medical research and the need for strong protections for human subjects.

Methodology of Nursing Research

When a nurse works with patients on a day-to-day basis, they learn through experiential learning (or learning by doing). This process is not linear or structured; rather, it is based on the lived experience of the practicing nurse. In contrast, nursing research is structured inquiry designed to obtain and evaluate information related to a clear, specific question (Polit & Beck, 2021). The nature of the research question structures the methods used to achieve the answer. The research methods are the strategies and techniques used for gathering and analyzing information. In this context, there are two primary types of research: qualitative and quantitative.

Qualitative Research

A qualitative research is often complex and based on individual experience. It is generally open ended, allowing the participants to guide the research rather than specifying one or two options up front to study. It is descriptive and looks to answer questions about what and how a research participant thinks and feels. The focus is on the participant’s perspective and experience, not the researcher’s. Qualitative research is often basic research rather than applied. However, researchers can use the information obtained from qualitative research to identify questions that can be further studied quantitatively.

In qualitative studies, researchers develop questions based on the desired outcome and narrowed to a specific population, situation, or other relevant characteristic. For example, a researcher might study the factors that influence whether young immigrant mothers choose Western forms of health care for their children or healthcare traditions from their country of origin. The information received from such research will not be clear-cut. Each mother might have a variety of motives, beliefs, and values; individuals immigrating from different places may give completely different reasons for their choices. However, the researcher will look for patterns, relationships, or themes in the data that help deepen their understanding of the situation.

Most of the time, qualitative research in health care is performed through interviews, focus groups, or case studies. An interview is a one-on-one conversation between the researcher and the participant. Interviews can be formal and led by a series of predetermined questions, or informal. For example, a researcher might begin with a few set questions but allow the participant to lead the conversation. Regardless, qualitative research generally uses open-ended questions , which require more information than yes or no responses—often including an explanation of the answer. (An important exception is if the interviewer wants to clarify a point.) A focus group is essentially a group interview, usually ten or fewer people, in which participants interact with each other and the researcher. A case study is an in-depth exploration of all aspects surrounding a complex issue as experienced by one or two individuals.

Qualitative research is an excellent way to explore some issues; indeed, nurses ask their patients qualitative questions daily even when they are not performing research. However, qualitative research has some drawbacks. For example, it is very easy for researchers to introduce bias into the process. A bias is a type of research error that researchers introduce by leading interviewees or suggesting one type of answer over another. Consider again the example study of young immigrant mothers. Suppose one of the interviewers asked, “Please tell me why you do not like pediatricians.” However, this is a leading question: the interviewees may never have said they do not like pediatricians; they may have any number of other reasons for their healthcare choices. Anything they say in response to this question—or even to others that follow—may be invalid because the interviewees may have been influenced by the researcher’s false assumption.

Qualitative research is also immensely time consuming. In general, an interview or focus group lasts one to two hours. The responses must then be transcribed before they can be analyzed. As a result, these studies are generally small. A project that interviews fifty participants is considered very large.

Patient Conversations

Asking patients open-ended questions.

Scenario: Sharon is a 65-year-old White female with a higher weight from a small rural town in Mississippi. She recently moved to Queens, New York; she is at a new doctor’s office for an intake appointment and is speaking with a new nurse. Sharon has a thick accent and low health literacy, and she uses some terminology with which the nurse is unfamiliar. The nurse and Sharon are struggling to understand each other.

Nurse: Do you have any preexisting illnesses or medical conditions?

Patient: I have the sugar.

Nurse: I wasn’t talking about candy. I meant do you have any health concerns the physician should know about, such as hypertension or asthma?

Patient: No.

Nurse: Do you take any medicine?

Patient: Yes, I take shots for the sugar.

[Nurse looks annoyed and frustrated.]

Scenario follow-up: Sharon’s nurse becomes frustrated because they are not communicating, excuses herself briefly, and asks a more experienced coworker for help managing the situation. The older nurse offers to perform Sharon’s intake as the original nurse observes. They begin the assessment over again.

Nurse: Do you have any medical conditions we should know about?

Patient: I told that other nurse that I have the sugar.

Nurse: Can you explain what you mean by “the sugar”?

Patient: You know, the sugar diabetes. I take shots for it.

Scenario follow-up: The more experienced nurse used open-ended questions, did not make assumptions, and identified that Sharon has diabetes. (“The sugar” is a common way of referring to diabetes in the Deep South, though nurses in other parts of the country may be unfamiliar with the term.)

Quantitative Research

A quantitative research tests the validity of a reasonable idea in a given setting. It is based on deductive reasoning, a logical approach that moves from general ideas to specific conclusions and seeks to obtain empirical evidence —evidence that can be measured (Polit & Beck, 2021). As the term suggests, quantitative research is grounded in numerical data, like percentages or rates. It is observational, exploring what can be measured through the senses or quantified in individual responses to questions. Quantitative researchers often use statistical analysis to prevent bias within their research and to evaluate the strength of relationships between variables. A variable is a factor that is measured or studied in research: anything from a subject’s age or level of reported pain to the number of times a patient gets up at night to use the bathroom, the efficacy of a particular pain medication, or the history of illness in a family.

When planning for quantitative studies, nurses and other evidence-based practitioners frequently use the PICOT framework to develop testable questions (Polit & Beck, 2021):

• P: What is the population or patient group? What characteristics bind these individuals together?
• I: What is the intervention that is being tested?
• C: What is the comparison, or the group receiving the current treatment rather than the intervention?
• O: What is the desired or expected outcome?
• T: What is the time frame for the study? How long will subjects be followed?

Here is an example of a potential PICOT question: In adult inpatients, aged 50 to 70 years, with diabetes who experience low blood sugar [Population], how does fruit juice [Intervention] compared to glucose tablets [Comparison] affect patients’ blood sugar levels [Outcome] over the course of a twenty-four-hour period [Time Frame]?

Once the question is defined, the flow of quantitative research generally follows a fairly linear process, as shown in Table 15.1 .

There are several ways to design quantitative research. Here are a few commonly used designs (Winston-Salem State University, 2023):

• A descriptive research approach uses one or more variables. For example, a study might seek to determine what types of pain medications are ordered on a medical-surgical unit, how frequently they are ordered, how often they are given, and what types of patients are most likely to receive them. Most research will include some descriptive statistics.
• A correlational research approach uses statistical analysis to explore relationships between two or more variables. For example, a study might investigate whether different physicians on a medical-surgical unit are more likely to order pain medication to be given as needed or to require patients to adhere to a schedule. Another study might investigate whether there are patterns in the timing of when certain nurses give pain medication.
• A quasi-experimental research approach explores cause-and-effect relationships but does not apply new interventions. For example, a study might investigate how different amounts or types of pain medication affect patients’ length of stay in a facility, chances of acquiring a nosocomial infection, functional ability upon discharge, or overall mortality.
• An experimental research approach studies the effect of a new intervention on a known concern and evaluates its effectiveness. For example, a study might seek to determine the efficacy of alternative therapies—such as trigger point massage, dry needling, or physical therapy—at decreasing the amount of pain medication given on the medical-surgical ward.

Regardless of the design, quantitative researchers should ask close-ended questions , which have a limited range of answers (such as yes/no or 1–5). Each answer should be assigned a value, enabling measurement and comparison. Figure 15.5 gives examples of each type of question: qualitative, or open ended, and quantitative, or close ended.

Quantitative studies are excellent for numerically evaluating the value of interventions and the success of treatments. They can also be easily scaled up to large numbers. Quantitative studies with large data sets may include thousands of participants. However, there are possible issues that can affect the data. For example, if individuals do not use the specified responses, their answers cannot be properly evaluated. Furthermore, because the responses are close ended, important information may be missed. Consider a researcher collecting information regarding insomnia in a particular population. They may ask participants, “How many times do you have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep in a week?” Answers to this question are limited to 0 through 7. This misses people who perhaps have difficulty falling or staying asleep once every few weeks or only when they are worried about something. If researchers do not find other ways to capture these responses, they will lose an entire segment of the group they want to study.

Real RN Stories

Application of nursing research.

Nurse: Cho, BSN Clinical setting: Medical-surgical unit Years in practice: 3 Facility location: Urban VA hospital in Kentucky

I conducted a small quantitative research project on my unit to improve patient care as part of my professional development. We did not like the type of needleless syringes that we were using with our patients. Several nurses complained they were too tight and difficult to attach to the Luer-locks on patients’ IV catheters. It often hurt patients because we pulled on the catheter or the tape holding it to the patient’s skin as we tried to attach the syringes. The Luer-locks also caused more than one of us to rupture a vein and then stick patients additional times.

I went to my nurse manager and discussed the issue with her. She told me that several different types of syringes were available for VA use but that our supply people only purchased one type. She encouraged me to research the possibility of changing syringes. After talking to the supply department, they agreed to get us a couple of new types to try out.

I spoke with my colleagues and explained the research project. All the nurses on the floor tried each type (there were three, our current one and two others) for one week each, starting with the new ones and ending with our current one. At the end, I gave the nurses a survey where they rated the different syringes using a Likert scale from 1 to 4, with 1 being the worst and 4 the best.

When I counted surveys and added up the results, one of the new types was a clear winner. I wrote up my findings and took them to our nursing practice board to request a permanent change to the new syringe. I presented my findings and received approval from the board. Then I worked with the supply department to switch our unit over.

Mixed Methods Research

Today, many researchers use mixed methods research , combining both qualitative and quantitative components to create more nuanced findings (Polit & Beck, 2021). This approach works well because qualitative and quantitative research are complementary; they help manage the complex phenomena that make up human health and well-being, and they offer greater validity for research. Figure 15.6 offers some examples of how mixed methods research can be achieved.

Understanding the Parts of an Article

Being able to read a research article effectively is an essential piece of being able to evaluate research. Most high-quality articles include several main parts (Polit & Beck, 2021):

• The abstract , placed at the beginning of the article, briefly describes the rest of the paper. Abstracts vary in length depending on the journal but generally range between 200 and 350 words. Some are structured, using specific subject headings; others are narrative, more like a descriptive paragraph of the work.
• The introduction , sometimes called the background, explains why the research was needed and conducted. It usually includes a brief literature review that synthesizes what other researchers have learned about the topic and explores what information still needs to be determined by future research. It may also include definitions of some key terms, an explanation of why the research is needed, and the question(s) the study aims to answer.
• The methods section provides all the details about how the study was conducted, including the patient population, the setting, and the specific variables studied, as well as how those variables were studied and how the data were analyzed. Most methods sections also include the human rights protections used, the way informed consent was obtained, and the approval information from the IRB that evaluated the research plan.
• The results section describes what was learned from analyzing the data. It often includes the demographic statistics of the participants, charts or graphs illustrating the results, and findings from statistical analyses, including how statistically significant the results are. A statistical significance describes the relative chance that results are reliable and would be reproducible with a different group of similar patients. The language used to describe the significance of a specific bit of research might look like this: Given the same parameters, there is an 80 percent likelihood that 75 percent of patients will experience a 5 to 10 percent decrease in their blood pressure.
• In the discussion section, the authors compare their results to other research that has been done related to the question. They should include information regarding the consistency of their results related to other research, the potential clinical importance of their research, any possible implications for clinical practice, suggestions for additional research, and the study’s limitations.
• Some journals require a conclusion separate from the discussion; others add it to the end of the discussion section. Generally, it is a concise statement about the importance of the research and what it brings to the larger research community.
• Articles typically end with a references section that lists all the sources the authors cited when writing the paper.

Other than these central components, an article may present additional information that readers should examine, particularly before considering any of the article’s recommendations. In particular, look for these three pieces of information, which generally appear either in the front matter (everything before the abstract) or the back matter (everything between the conclusion and the references):

• If the Methods section does not provide information about informed consent and human rights protection, it should appear in either the front or back matter. If not, the research may not have been conducted ethically.
• Sometimes, how a study was funded will answer many questions about its potential value. Product manufacturers often fund research, but their biases should be obvious. Making an evidence-based decision to use new products based solely on research paid for by the manufacturer can result in a poor decision.
• One of the values of sharing research is the ability to reproduce that research in various populations. Most journals today require a statement regarding data availability so that other researchers in different places can attempt to reproduce the research to see if the findings will be the same for their population.

Types of Research Articles

Research and research articles come in a variety of formats. For a nurse seeking to expand their knowledge base and improve their practice, the best sources of research are typically peer-reviewed journals . As a condition for publication, these journals require several (usually three) reviewers to thoroughly read the information and evaluate its value. Journal articles come in a variety of formats. Each type of article has value and can be meaningful for practice. Table 15.2 offers a few examples of the types of articles one might find in nursing or other healthcare journals.

Translating Research into Practice

An evidence-based research (EBR) is incorporated into EBP when healthcare providers use the research findings to improve their day-to-day care of patients, and it can be a dynamic tool for that purpose. However, a large body of EBR has not been implemented into routine patient care because moving from research to practice can be extremely complicated. Translation science is a branch of research dedicated to improving how EBP becomes standard care (Titler, 2018). EBP can be used for individuals or patient groups (Bell, 2023). When an individual patient has a concern, need, or question with which a nurse is unfamiliar, the nurse can use the steps of EBP to seek relevant research and find an answer that aligns with the nurse’s experience and the patient’s preferences and values. Figure 15.7 is a Venn diagram representing these relationships in EBP.

In contrast, a hospital, unit, or clinic may have several patients with similar concerns that could be managed more effectively with alternative interventions. Some nursing staff members may then decide to explore the issue using the steps of EBP to determine whether a practice or policy change should be made at the level of the agency or unit.

Steps of Evidence-Based Practice

There are defined steps for performing EBP that aim to successfully implement a new intervention with patients, while EBR aims to determine the success or failure of an intervention (Titler, 2018). There is some disagreement between researchers regarding the number of steps in EBP. However, most scholars set the number at five or six (Bell, 2023; Capili, 2020). Here is a typical list:

• Ask a question.
• Find information about the topic.
• Evaluate the evidence.
• Align the evidence with clinical experience and patient preferences, determining what specific practice changes to make.
• Make the changes.
• Evaluate the outcomes.

Depending on the situation, additional steps may include planning to make the change sustainable over time, developing or revising policies and procedures, or determining how to share the information within units, hospitals, agencies, or even professional organizations.

This short video offers a quick introduction to EBP and sets the stage for our continuing inquiry.

Ask a Question

The questions you ask and how you ask them will affect the value of the information you receive. Questions that are too broad will return more results than are needed or desired. Questions that are too narrow may not return the information necessary to evaluate the issue. The first rule of thumb is to ask a searchable question (Bell, 2023), one that uses clear and specific keywords enabling you to find what you are looking for. Consider looking for information about “preterm labor” (early pregnancy delivery). The searcher would receive far more titles and websites than they will be able to review. Here is a more searchable and specific question: “What is the survival rate for preterm labor before twenty weeks in the United States?”

The Oncology Nursing Society has several excellent resources regarding evidence-based practice. They provide a worksheet with questions that can help staff members generate possible topics and ask questions in a way that facilitates research.

Find Information about the Topic

Several search engines focus specifically on peer-reviewed journal articles on nursing, medical, and allied health topics, including MEDLINE and CINAHL, which can be accessed through most libraries. PubMed and Google Scholar can be accessed through any search engine. Most search engines will bring back many results that must then be explored to ensure they offer appropriate information about the question. The abstract portion of journal articles will generally provide enough information to know if the article pertains to the question and provides quality evidence.

Whether you use journal search engines, Google Scholar, or a general search engine such as Bing or Google, you must use keywords effectively to find the evidence you need. For an individual patient, look for keywords specific to that patient’s situation (Bell, 2023). For example, suppose you were working with a 45-year-old, female, Black patient with prediabetes who wants nutritional guidance to prevent becoming fully diabetic. In that case, you might use these keywords: “female,” “Black,” “prediabetes,” “middle-aged,” “nutrition,” and “patient education.” When working with an individual, even a simple Google search can yield high-quality information from reputable sources, which can frequently be tailored specifically to that individual.

However, suppose you are searching for information that might lead to a practice or policy change for an entire group of patients. In that case, the keywords should be less refined (Bell, 2023). For example, suppose you were working to develop a patient education handout regarding nutrition for patients with prediabetes. In that case, you might search “prediabetes,” “nutrition,” and “patient education” as keywords. The resulting evidence would be less specific for any single patient but more generalizable for all patients.

Evaluate the Evidence

Not all sources are equally reliable, and no search can ensure only high-quality results. Therefore, once a search has been completed, the nurse must assess the quality of the information they received (Bell, 2023). Stricter criteria may be necessary to support a policy change than to treat an individual patient. Consider the following questions when evaluating evidence.

From where did the information come?

High-quality information comes from reputable sources:

• peer-reviewed journals
• practice guidelines from national-level practitioner governing bodies, such as the ANA or the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
• condition-related organizations, such as the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association
• laws and applicable governmental bodies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the AHRQ
• reputable websites, which may be more likely to end in .gov, .edu, or .org

Nurses should consider the credentials of the authors of information to determine if it comes from a reliable and reputable source. Lower-quality information typically comes from consumer websites and blogs. It is important to look for references in any article you find. If the authors do not list their sources, you cannot determine the validity of the information. Encyclopedias also do not typically make good sources for research. While they provide excellent overviews of topics, they are usually too broad and may not be current with the most recent data. Even online encyclopedias, such as Wikipedia, which are regularly updated and often supply references, are not necessarily peer reviewed and therefore should not be considered as authoritative sources.

When was the information written?

Research is written and published daily, and the nursing and allied health community is dynamic, constantly changing and continually improving. As a result, when the research was published can be as important as who published it. A general rule of thumb is only to consider research published in the preceding three to five years (if at all possible), unless it is a seminal article meaning it continues to influence research and practice.

Where does the research fall in the hierarchy of evidence?

The hierarchy of evidence is a classification of evidence into categories based on the type of research represented. It is one way to evaluate the strength of research. Examine Figure 15.8 . At the bottom of the pyramid (level VII) is the weakest evidence, and at the top (level I) is the strongest. Researchers disagree on how to structure the middle levels, but they generally agree that expert opinion is the lowest quality of evidence, while systematic and metareviews offer the highest quality (Curtis & Keeler, 2022; Oncology Nursing Society , 2023).

Align the Evidence and Determine What Practice Changes to Make

Once the best evidence has been gathered, it must be aligned with the other parts of EBP—the clinical experience of the nurse and the patient’s values—to establish a change moving forward (Capili, 2020; Bell, 2023). This strategy can be straightforward for the individual nurse with a single patient. If the change does not violate current hospital policies or procedures, if the nurse believes in the value of the intervention, and if the patient accepts the intervention, an individual nurse can introduce evidence-based changes to their practice (Bell, 2023).

In contrast, translating knowledge into practice and implementing EBP for more than a few patients require planning and strategies to overcome potential barriers (Curtis et al., 2017). Planning for sustainable change at an agency or even a single unit level may involve multiple disciplines. It can quickly become complicated because the environment in which the EBP will be performed already has a set of rules and procedures that nurses follow, as well as budgetary and other limitations (Titler, 2018). For example, suppose the evidence says that behavioral health therapies could help prevent depression in patients following cardiac surgery; however, if a facility lacks the funds to pay for behavioral health providers, it may be impossible to implement the change there. So, with a group of practitioners or a patient population, it is crucial to initiate evidence-based changes that the agency can sustain over time (Capili, 2020; Titler, 2018).

Make the Changes

Once the decision has been made to implement an evidence-based change, nurses should begin to use the new intervention in daily practice. Depending on the change, it may be used with all patients or only with patients who meet specific parameters (such as age range or condition type). Implementing larger-scale initiatives may require changes to existing policies or procedures or restructuring of resources (Bell, 2023). Proper documentation of the responses to the intervention is necessary for the next stage, evaluation, to take place.

Evaluate the Outcomes

Finally, evaluate the EBP change. Did it work? Was it effective for the individual patient? Did it work for the target population? Is it sustainable for the group? How does it improve patient outcomes and satisfaction? When these questions are answered, nurse scientists can make the thoughtful decision to continue with the practice, change back to the old way, or develop an alternative intervention—always with the foremost goal of improving patient care and outcomes.

Understand Models for Implementing Evidence-Based Practice

When considering EBP initiatives at a facility or unit level, multiple stakeholder s (individuals or groups who have some type of interest or concern regarding practice changes in an area), usually from several disciplines, must be engaged in the process and assisting with the initiative. Whereas an individual nurse can make a personal practice change for a specific patient, larger-scale projects take time to develop and implement. Several well-respected models are used to develop EBP initiatives for group or population-level changes, including the Iowa Model, the Joanna Briggs Institute model, and the Evidence-Based Public Health model (Dusin et al., 2023).

To better understand the EBP framework, let’s focus on one model. The Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice (JHEBP) model was developed at the Johns Hopkins Medicine Center for Evidence-Based Practice. It is commonly taught in research courses and used by other large research hospitals and academic institutions such as Vanderbilt University and Medical Center (Dang et al., 2022; Dusin et al., 2023; Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2018). The JHEBP model includes three core components, known as the PET process: practice question, evidence, and translation (Dang et al., 2022). Each component has several associated steps, with twenty steps for the entire process. The process incorporates agency needs and resources, stakeholder input, best evidence, and information dissemination.

Practice Question

The JHEBP model’s first component involves forming the EBP workgroup and developing the practice question. This happens over seven steps, as follows (Dang et al., 2022):

• Recruit the interprofessional team, using care to involve members who will be impacted by any changes made. These individuals will likely be more invested in the process.
• Decide on the leadership of the project. All projects need a knowledgeable leader to help others stay on track.
• Schedule meetings. The leader should establish a time and quiet place for meetings and ensure that members are involved in keeping minutes, working on a timeline, and managing the project resources and information.
• Clarify and describe the problem. Discuss the differences between what is happening and what participants would like to be happening. Clarify why the current practice is a problem.
• Develop and refine the EBP question. The JHEBP uses the PICOT framework described in Evolution of Nursing Research .
• Determine the need for an EBP project. Before continuing, the group members should explore the literature to determine whether a body of evidence related to the problem exists. The preferred evidence is high-quality systematic reviews published within the last five years. If there is not enough research evidence for an EBP, group members can explore other options, such as initiating quality improvement projects, conducting original research, or verifying that they are using the current standards of their community, agency, or specific disciplines.
• Identify stakeholders who will be impacted by the project and who should be involved or kept informed during the process. Any disciplines that will be directly impacted by any EBP changes should be invited to be team members.

Evidence provides support that an intervention is needed and works: for example, data may show that one drug is more effective than another at treating a particular condition. The evidence component of the JHEBP model includes five traditional EBP steps focused on acquiring and evaluating evidence (Dang et al., 2022):

• Search for evidence. Team members should be assigned to various research components, including evidence internal to the agency and external. Journal articles, specifically systematic and metareviews, are essential. Additional evidence will be found in clinical practice guidelines, community standards, position statements from professional organizations, quality improvement data, and safety and regulatory information.
• Evaluate the quality of each piece of evidence. The JHEBP has its own hierarchy of evidence (similar to the evidence pyramid shown in Figure 15.8 ) that researchers use to rate sources and evidence as high, good, or low. Evidence that is rated as low is not used to make EBP decisions.
• Summarize individual evidence. Each piece of evidence is summarized and documented based on several factors, including quality, evidence level, findings, population, and limitations.
• Synthesize findings. The team examines the entire body of evidence and integrates the findings as a group.
• Develop recommendations. The team determines the value of the overall findings and the evidence level. Then they recommend moving forward, stopping the process, or performing additional investigation.

Translation

The final component of the PET process is translation of the EBP team’s recommendations into practice in the target setting(s). This component involves eight final steps (Dang et al., 2022):

• Identify practice setting–specific recommendations. Work with stakeholders, leaders, and frontline staff to determine if recommendations are actionable and feasible, given the agency’s culture, willingness to change, and resources.
• Create an action plan. Develop any policies or specific procedures reflecting the change, a timeline for implementation, and evaluation processes. Encourage feedback from stakeholders, leaders, and frontline staff.
• Secure stakeholder support and necessary resources. The best projects and interventions can be fumbled if unit and department leadership do not support them.
• Implement the action plan. Ensure everyone impacted receives the education and resources necessary to make the change. The team should be prepared to answer questions and assist with problems.
• Evaluate the change. Has the change created the desired outcomes? Have unexpected outcomes occurred? Evaluate the actual versus expected outcomes and determine if the change should be retained.
• Report the results. Use local presentations to ensure all stakeholders, leaders, and impacted frontline staff know the project’s outcomes.
• Identify the next steps. Review the process and results. Should additional research be undertaken? Are additional changes needed for the process? Have new questions emerged?
• Disseminate the findings. Report the results to the organization, at a minimum. Also, consider other venues for disseminating the results, such as journal articles and conferences.

The JHEBP model has been used extensively in nursing projects for almost two decades. Read this article about a quality improvement project that used the JHEBP model to decrease surgical site infections. It is an excellent example of translating research into action.

This book may not be used in the training of large language models or otherwise be ingested into large language models or generative AI offerings without OpenStax's permission.

Want to cite, share, or modify this book? This book uses the Creative Commons Attribution License and you must attribute OpenStax.

Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/fundamentals-nursing/pages/1-introduction

• Authors: Christy Bowen, Lindsay Draper, Heather Moore
• Publisher/website: OpenStax
• Book title: Fundamentals of Nursing
• Publication date: Sep 4, 2024
• Location: Houston, Texas
• Book URL: https://openstax.org/books/fundamentals-nursing/pages/1-introduction
• Section URL: https://openstax.org/books/fundamentals-nursing/pages/15-1-evidence-based-research

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MECE: Real-World Examples (Practicing Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive)

I remember the first time I heard the term MECE. I asked a friend who worked at Bain for feedback on my resume. She suggested, of course, specific changes to ensure it was MECE. 

I thought, “What the heck is MECE? And does it even matter outside of consulting?” 

Funnily enough, I’d soon use that resume to get a job at McKinsey. Learning about MECE probably helped me land an interview, not to mention succeed on the job. But even if I hadn’t gone on to work in consulting, I now know that MECE is a valuable tool for anyone who wants to think more clearly and solve problems more effectively.

Quick refresher – what is MECE? 

MECE (Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive) is a powerful problem-solving framework that is used in management consulting and various business functions. Simply put, MECE is about organizing information or ideas into categories that are:

• Mutually Exclusive: No overlap between categories
• Collectively Exhaustive: All possibilities are covered

No matter what you do, MECE is valuable because it helps you:

• Break down complex problems into manageable parts 
• Ensure you’re considering all relevant factors
• Avoid redundancy and gaps in your thinking
• Communicate your ideas more clearly and logically

If you’re thinking, “That sounds great, but how does it work in practice?” you are not alone. It took me many reps on the job before MECE finally “clicked”.  

Here are four real-world examples to show how MECE works. These will ensure you understand how to apply the framework, no matter your industry. 

MECE in Marketing: Customer Segmentation

Imagine a clothing retailer is aiming to tailor its marketing efforts through customer segmentation. The brand manager initially proposes this segmentation:

• Bargain hunters
• Fashion-forward shoppers
• Quality seekers
• Occasional buyers

At first glance, these buckets seem fine. You can imagine how different ads or email offers could be tailored to each of these different groups. 

But this segmentation isn’t perfectly actionable. This categorization isn’t mutually exclusive: a fashion-forward shopper could also be a bargain hunter. Nor is it collectively exhaustive: it misses loyal customers who don’t fit neatly into one of these categories.

Here’s how I would adjust it to be MECE:

• Price-driven (primarily motivated by low prices)
• Trend-driven (primarily motivated by latest fashion)
• Quality-driven (primarily motivated by product durability)
• Convenience-driven (primarily motivated by ease of shopping)

The updated segmentation is mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive: each customer’s primary motivation falls into only one category and it covers all possible primary motivations. 

But why is this MECE approach superior to non-MECE alternatives?

• Clarity: Each customer belongs to exactly one segment, avoiding confusion.
• Targeted marketing: Allows for appropriate messaging and product recommendations.
• Resource allocation: Helps determine budget distribution across segments.
• Performance measurement: Enables clear tracking of marketing effectiveness per segment

Using the MECE segmentation, the retailer can create distinct email campaigns for each motivation group, featuring appropriate products and messaging. This targeted approach will likely lead to higher engagement rates and, ultimately, increased sales.

MECE in Product Management: Feature Prioritization

Product managers often juggle numerous feature requests and ideas. Without a structured approach, it’s easy to get lost in the details or miss important elements. This is where MECE thinking can be a game-changer.

A PM needs an approach to organize and prioritize the development backlog. One common tool is the MoSCoW framework. Now, this isn’t called MECE, but the approach follows MECE guidelines. And remember, the point of MECE is to shape thinking, not to be an end in and of itself.

MoSCoW framework:

• Must-have: Critical features without which the product will fail
• Should-have: Important features that add significant value
• Could-have: Desirable features that would be nice to include if possible
• Won’t-have: Features out of scope for the current release

This breakdown helps product managers in several ways:

• Clear prioritization: Features are unambiguously categorized, aiding decision-making.
• Stakeholder alignment: Provides a common language for discussing priorities.
• Resource allocation: Helps focus efforts on must-have and should-have features.
• Scope management: Clearly defines what’s in and out of scope for the release

Contrast this with a non-MECE approach like “High, Medium, Low priority,” which can lead to ambiguity and debate about what constitutes each level. Using the more detailed (and MECE) approach, a PM could plan sprints more effectively. They’ll ensure that all must-haves are completed first, followed by should-haves. Could-haves are tackled if time permits, while won’t-haves are clearly communicated to stakeholders as future considerations.

MECE in Financial Analysis: Revenue Streams

Financial analysts often need to break down a company’s income sources to provide insights and recommendations. A MECE approach can make this process much more effective.

Imagine that an analyst of a multi-channel business is assessing income streams. They might initially categorize revenue as “Digital sales, Retail sales, B2B sales.” However, this approach isn’t MECE. Online B2B sales could be counted in both “Digital sales” and “B2B sales,” leading to confusion or double-counting. It also might miss other revenue sources like licensing.

Instead, the analyst should follow a MECE approach to assess income streams. For example:

• Online sales: All revenue from the company’s e-commerce platform
• In-store sales: All revenue from physical retail locations
• Wholesale: All revenue from selling products to other businesses
• Licensing: All revenue from allowing other companies to use the brand or technology

This MECE categorization provides several benefits: 

• Comprehensive overview: Ensures all revenue sources are accounted for.
• Performance analysis: Allows for easy comparison between channels.
• Strategic planning: Helps identify areas for growth or improvement.
• Risk assessment: Reveals over-reliance on any single revenue stream.

Using this framework, the company’s CFO could present a clear picture of revenue trends to the board. They could show how each distinct channel is performing, identify the most profitable streams, and make data-driven recommendations for future investments or cost-cutting measures.

MECE outside of work

MECE thinking isn’t just for the office – it can be useful in everyday life too.

Let’s say you’re planning a vacation and trying to decide on activities. You might start with categories like “relaxing, adventurous, cultural.” But this isn’t MECE – an art museum could be both relaxing and cultural, and you might be missing some options.

A MECE approach could look like this:

• Outdoor activities (hiking, beach, etc.)
• Indoor activities (museums, shows, etc.)
• Food and drink experiences (restaurants, cooking classes, etc.)
• Rest and relaxation (spa, lounging, etc.)

The new categorization ensures you’re considering all types of activities without overlap. It can help you plan a balanced itinerary, discuss options with your fellow travelers, and make sure you’re not missing out on any experiences that interest the group. But fair warning: you might annoy your friends and family if you actually use the word MECE too often.

The power of MECE

These examples illustrate how MECE can bring clarity and structure to all sorts of challenges, both in and out of the office. By applying this principle, I’m sure you will be better equipped to simplify complex problems, make more informed decisions, and communicate ideas more effectively. 

And that’s true whether you’re in marketing, product management, finance, or any other business function, or don’t work in business at all (MECE!).

Remember, while MECE is a powerful tool, achieving perfect MECE categorization is not always possible or necessary. The goal is to strive for MECE thinking to improve clarity and comprehensiveness in your analysis. But don’t worry if it’s not perfect. 

Check out this video for a deeper dive into MECE and other strategy consulting skills.

Do you have a toolkit for business problem solving? I created Think Like a Strategy Consultant as an online course to make the tools of strategy consultants accessible to driven professionals, executives, and consultants. This course teaches you how to synthesize information into compelling insights, structure your information in ways that help you solve problems, and develop presentations that resonate at the C-Level. Click here to learn more or if you are interested in getting started now, enroll in the self-paced version ($497) or hands-on coaching version ($997). Both versions include lifetime access and all future updates.

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The Course Creation Checklist: Essential Steps for Designing Impactful Learning Experiences

Creating effective learning content requires careful consideration of numerous factors: aligning the course with overarching educational objectives, structuring it into separate lessons, selecting tools and approaches, choosing examples and tasks, and so on. Each decision in the course creation process involves many underlying factors that impact how learners engage with the material and, ultimately, how well they achieve their educational goals.

To ensure that nothing is overlooked and that everything ties together seamlessly, one needs a structured action plan that tackles each element step by step. This blog post serves as a high-level guideline to navigate the complexities of course creation. While the steps outlined may seem obvious, having a checklist to refer to can free up mental space for more intricate, nitty-gritty aspects of course development.

1. Organization and planning

1.1. select the topic.

Research the demand for the topics: look at industry trends, survey potential learners, or analyze gaps in the current training programs.

Once a topic is selected, narrow it down to a manageable scope to keep content relevant and digestible. For example, for digital marketing training, decide whether to focus on SEO, content marketing, social media, or a comprehensive overview.

1.2. Understand your target audience

Gather information on your target audience's age, education level, professional background, and prior knowledge of the subject. Use pre-course surveys or diagnostic assessments to determine the baseline knowledge of your audience to avoid redundancy and ensure the content is appropriately challenging.

1.3. Create a macro-level training plan

Determine how the course is positioned in the broader L&D context, what it aims to achieve, and how it's organized within the LMS framework. Create a strategic roadmap: determine the overall course structure within the LMS, the number of modules, the sequence of topics, and how the course fits into a curriculum. If the course is part of a larger program, plan how it integrates with other courses, prerequisites, and follow-up courses.

Map out the overall learner journey, including key milestones or checkpoints within the course, such as quizzes, assignments, or practical exercises, and transitions between modules.

1.4. Define learning objectives

Bloom's Taxonomy provides a hierarchy of cognitive skills ranging from simple recall of facts to higher-order skills like analysis and creation. Use it to set clear, achievable, measurable goals for the course. For instance, instead of a vague objective like "understand project management," aim for something more specific like "analyze project management case studies to identify best practices."

Ensure that each learning objective is directly linked to assessments and activities within the course to measure whether learners have achieved the intended outcomes.

Regularly review and revise the course structure and content based on feedback and evolving needs.

2. Course design and development

2.1. structure the course.

Detail the internal structure of the course. Break it down into self-contained lessons or modules and plan their logical progression from basic concepts to more advanced topics.

Plan the sequence of topics within the module and define how to align information, quizzes, assignments, and multimedia elements with learning objectives. Keep the modules' structure consistent to help learners know what to expect and reduce cognitive load.

Lay out the course navigation with clear paths and minimal distractions. Use progress indicators, a clear menu structure, a search function, bookmarking, or a course map. Ensure that the navigation and layout are mobile-friendly.

2.2. Gather course materials

Curate various resources, including textbooks, scholarly articles, case studies, multimedia, infographics, and interactive media. Incorporate external resources, like relevant websites, online tools, or supplementary readings. Review all collected materials for accuracy and relevance.

Ensure all content is accessible to all learners, including those with disabilities. This might involve adding captions to videos, providing transcripts, or ensuring that documents are compatible with screen readers.

2.3. Create your course

Leverage instructional design models like ADDIE or SAM to maximize learning effectiveness. Ensure that each piece of content has a purpose and contributes to the learning objectives. Use scaffolding to guide learners towards advanced material, e.g., tiered assignments, branching scenarios, or progressive quizzes that adapt to the learner's performance.

Use authoring tools within your LMS to create and organize content and integrate gamification elements (badges, points, and leaderboards) and interactive media (simulations, case studies, etc.). Use consistent fonts, colors, and layouts. Set up discussion forums and community spaces for collaborative work.

Include feedback mechanisms, formative assessments like quizzes and knowledge checks, and summative assessments like final projects or exams.

Finally, don't forget to include the course overview explaining its purpose and objectives, expected outcomes, and how they will benefit the learner.

2.4. Test the course

Before launching the course, run usability testing with a small group of learners or colleagues. Test all technical aspects of the course, including accessibility, links, multimedia content, and interactive elements, to ensure everything functions properly across different devices and browsers, loads quickly, and plays smoothly.

Review the course content: proofread text for errors, check the accuracy of factual information, and ensure that instructions are clear and unambiguous.

Keep detailed documentation of the course design and development process, including decisions made, tools used, and changes implemented. This documentation can be invaluable for future course updates or creating new courses.

3. Publishing and implementation

3.1. publish the course.

Run a thorough final review of the entire course. Check for any content errors, broken links, or technical issues. Ensure the course design adheres to WCAG. Review the course for consistency in language, tone, and formatting. Ensure that all modules are cohesive and align with the overall course objectives.

Once the final checks are complete, publish the course on your LMS. Set appropriate permissions, adjust visibility settings, and ensure that the course is listed in the correct category or catalog within the LMS. Announce the course launch via email newsletters, social media posts, or announcements within the LMS.

3.2. Gather learner feedback

After the course launch, actively seek learner feedback through surveys, discussion forums, or direct communication. Ask for their thoughts on course content, usability, engagement, and overall satisfaction. Make it easy for learners to provide feedback at various points throughout the course, not just at the end.

Carefully analyze the feedback to identify patterns or recurring issues. Pay attention to both positive and negative comments, as both can provide valuable insights for improving the course. Look for specific suggestions on content clarity, engagement strategies, and technical usability.

3.3. Update and iterate

Use the data collected from analytics to identify areas where the course may need improvement. Make necessary course content and structure updates, such as clarifying confusing concepts, adding more examples or interactive elements, or improving navigation.

Update the course content to reflect the new information, industry standards, or technological advancements. Review and refine the course continuously. Consider setting a schedule for periodic reviews, e.g., every six months or annually, to keep the course fresh and engaging.

3.4. Analyze course performance

Use LMS analytics to track learner progress, completion rates, quiz performance, and other key metrics on how learners engage with the course, where they struggle, and which modules are most effective.

Use performance reports to evaluate the course's effectiveness, make data-driven decisions for future course updates, and demonstrate the value of the course to stakeholders.

Get expert technical support for seamless course creation

Creating a successful educational course involves more than just assembling content — it's about thoughtfully planning, designing, and implementing each element to ensure learners have a meaningful and impactful experience.

By thoroughly addressing each of the aspects outlined in this guide, you lay a strong foundation for creating a well-organized and impactful course that meets both educational standards and the diverse needs of your learners.

We understand that this process can be complex and challenging, especially when it comes to the technical aspects of course creation. Our team is here to help you navigate these challenges. Whether you need an e-learning platform, assistance with implementing advanced features for your Opigno LMS, or building interactive content, we're ready to support you every step of the way. Contact us today to turn your L&D vision into a polished, high-quality learning experience.

Published on September 5, 2024

What are E-Learning Branching Scenarios?

Learn how to leverage branching scenarios in your e-learning to improve learners’ decision-making skills and boost their performance.

Great teachers know that what works best for one learner may not work for another. Tweaking the educational experience and tailoring it to suit different types of learners can allow everyone to get more out of a course.

In a physical classroom, instructors can customize lessons by checking in with students one-on-one, asking questions, and adjusting explanations in real-time. But how can e-learning educators reach different types of learners in a single course? This is where branching scenarios come into play.

In this post, we’ll cover the ins and outs of branched e-learning, including its benefits for both organizations and learners. Looking for branching scenario ideas for your own business? We’ll also walk through a real-life example of an organization that used branching to achieve meaningful results.

For more insights on branching, read our case study with Assisting Families of Inmates and Yukon Learning.

Key Takeaways

• Branched courses, also called nonlinear courses, allow you to tailor e-learning courses for different types of learners with different customized paths.
• Offering branched e-learning can allow businesses to reach all course participants more effectively. 
• For learners, branching scenarios can increase engagement and allow practice for real-world skills in a low-risk setting.

What is a branching scenario?

Branched e-learning simply means that a learner can follow multiple different paths through an online course depending on the choices they make. Just like in real life, the next steps in the course will vary depending on the previous actions the user takes. This type of nonlinear navigation through the course progression allows for a more personalized learning experience. 

Many businesses use branching scenarios to tailor their course information by group. For example, your company might offer a training course that contains slight nuances with different decision points for different teams. In this situation, having users select their team as part of the course can allow you to deliver more relevant content to them in the following slides.

You can also use branched e-learning to allow your users to experiment with different realistic situations. In this way, they can practice their critical thinking skills as they experience the different outcomes of various choices in a low-risk environment. For example, in a Customer Support training course, you might use branching to allow your learners to practice dialogue simulations around common customer pain points, improving their communication skills.

3 game-changing benefits of creating branching scenarios

Businesses and learners can benefit from e-learning branching scenarios in numerous ways. Below, we’ll explore three of the most compelling reasons to use branching in your online courses.

1. Increased production efficiency

Branching allows you to reach multiple groups within a single course, rather than having to create separate courses for different types of learners. This more efficient course production method can save your business valuable time and resources as only course information that differs based on the user type requires customization. This can also be helpful if you’re sending a course to a large group of learners, and aren’t sure which specific category they might fall into. Rather than having to receive a specific course from the beginning, they’ll make choices along the way that nudge them toward the most appropriate content. 

2. Greater engagement

The more your content engages learners, the more likely they are to remember material, absorb it, and apply it effectively. Branching builds an extra layer of engagement into the course itself, as users are in charge of making choices that determine the content they receive.  When learners get content based on the choices they make, it’s much more relevant to them and their traits or behaviors. This, too, can increase engagement, transforming more general takeaways into specific insights that directly relate to the user’s selections within the course. 

3. Experience with complex, realistic scenarios

Branching allows you to replicate the complex nature of real-life interactions in a low-risk virtual environment. This can be an excellent way for learners to test and apply their knowledge without negative consequences and may make them more successful if they encounter these types of scenarios in their day-to-day work. 

How Assisting Families of Inmates builds social and emotional skills with course branching

Assisting Families of Inmates (AFOI) is a Richmond-based nonprofit that supports families of the incarcerated. Their Milk and Cookies (MAC) Children’s program is a key way they offer meaningful support to their clients. The program helps children in Richmond public schools build coping skills and reduce the stigma around having an incarcerated loved one.  “For many children, there can exist a shame or stigma around disclosing that they have an incarcerated loved one,” says Fran Bolin, AFOI’s Executive Director. “We want them to be able to understand their situation and feel more in control of it by building their resiliency and coping skills—whether they complete the program in person or online.” Because multiple different grade levels participate in the MAC Program, the team at AFOI knew they needed to tailor their e-learning content so students of all ages could all get value from the content. To accomplish this, they worked with Articulate’s training partner Yukon Learning to create customized interactions with branching. For example, after selecting their grade level, younger learners would choose between a “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” icon, while older learners were asked to type out a short response. “The interactions for the MAC Program are custom-built for different grade levels, which allows learners of all ages to understand and engage with the material without feeling overwhelmed,” says Brooke Schepker, Yukon Learning’s Chief Design Officer.

Branching off your e-learning assets for success

A branched scenario is a powerful tool for increasing e-learning engagement and effectiveness, adding another layer of interactivity to your online course. Implement this strategy to reach a diverse array of different types of learners and allow your users to gain hands-on practice with complex scenarios, improve their decision-making skills, and gain immediate feedback about their performance. To learn more about the power of branching scenarios in e-learning, read our case study with Assisting Families of Inmates and Yukon Learning.

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