When you write a course description, it is important to keep the following best practices in mind:
- Clarity: Use straightforward language that accurately reflects the content and objectives of the course.
- Concise Wording: Keep your description concise but comprehensive. The maximum length should be around 100 words.
- Targeted Wording:
Your course description should be focused on prospective students. What
relevant information do they need to understand what your course
covers?
- Perspective: Your course description should be
written from a student-learner perspective. Similar to course learning
outcomes, the description should pertain to what students will be
learning throughout the course and what is expected of them upon
completion.
- Language: Your course description should be
written using gender-neutral terms, be written in the present tense and
have an active voice. Use common terms that prospective students will
understand.
- Use generic terms when referencing software. Only use
specific software names if they are the central focus of the course or
if they are required for course delivery.
- Use industry-approved technical terms and acronyms when appropriate.
- Prerequisites: Specify the course level. List any prerequisite courses or specific knowledge expectations in the course description.
- Engagement:
Spark interest in your course by using informative and exciting
language in your course description. Avoid repetition when describing
course elements, but include adjectives such as “amazing,” “interesting”
or “fantastic.”