Choosing the right class format

Selecting the right class format on Outschool makes a huge difference in your teaching success and the learning experience for families. Whether you prefer live interaction or asynchronous teaching, there’s a format that fits your style and your learners’ needs. Here’s a guide to help you choose the best fit for your class and how to make the most of each format.

Courses: structured learning with clear outcomes

Courses are perfect for educators who thrive on structure and want to lead learners through a comprehensive learning journey to achieve mastery of a subject.

Best For: Semester-long courses & boot camps. 

Design Tips:

• Outline clear learning goals: Define what learners will achieve by the end of the course.
• Detailed Syllabus: Break down your course into units and lessons, providing detailed descriptions and topics.
• Mastery evaluation: Incorporate methods for evaluating learner progress, including homework, assessments, and feedback.

Example: A semester-long, twice weekly “Beginner Spanish” course with a clear progression from basic vocabulary to simple conversations.

Enrichment & Clubs: flexible and engaging weekly sessions

Enrichment & Clubs are ideal if you prefer flexibility and want to cover different topics or practice skills regularly without building sequential knowledge. Enrichment & Club classes can either be a fixed end date or recurring class. 

Best For: Language conversation clubs, test prep, book clubs, current event discussions, and gaming groups.

Design Tips:

• Sample Topics: Provide at least four example topics to set clear expectations.
• Weekly Themes: Keep your topics fresh and engaging by changing themes regularly.
• Participant Interaction: Encourage active participation and discussion among learners.

Example: A “Weekly Science Experiment Club” that explores new experiments each week, keeping the excitement and curiosity alive.

One-Time classes: single-session exploration

One-time classes are perfect for introducing new topics or giving learners a taste of your teaching style.

Best For: Quick projects or single-skill sessions.

Design Tips:

• Clear objectives: Ensure the class has a specific, achievable goal.
• Engaging content: Make the session dynamic and interactive to leave a lasting impression.

Example: “How to Draw Captain America” – a focused, hands-on drawing class that completes a project in one session.

Tutoring & private lessons: personalized one-on-one instruction

Tutoring allows you to tailor lessons to individual learners’ needs, providing personalized support and guidance.

Best For: Personalized instruction in any subject, supplemental learning, targeted skill improvement.

Design Tips:

• Personalized topics: Offer a range of topics and customize the sessions based on the learner’s interests and needs.
• Showcase expertise: Highlight your qualifications and experience related to the subject matter, including experience with different age groups.

Example: Private math tutoring for middle school learners focusing on algebra concepts and problem-solving techniques.

Self-Paced attribute: flexible learning at the learners’ pace

Courses, Enrichment & Clubs, and One-time classes can be Self-Paced or live. The Self-Paced attribute allows learners to access the videos and materials when convenient, making them ideal for independent learning.

Best For: Subjects that can be learned independently, ongoing practice, and reinforcement.

Design Tips:

• Comprehensive content: Each lesson should include a pre-recorded video and additional resources for practice.
• Clear interaction guidelines: Set expectations for how and when you’ll provide feedback and interact with learners.
• Regular updates: Keep your content fresh and up-to-date to maintain engagement.

Example: “Creative Writing Workshop” – a series of video lessons with assignments that learners can complete at their own pace, receiving feedback via the platform.

How to choose the right format

• Understand your teaching style: Reflect on whether you thrive in a structured environment, enjoy flexible and dynamic interactions, or prefer a one-on-one approach.
• Consider learning needs: Decide which format best suits your target audience. Are they looking for in-depth learning, regular practice, or flexible scheduling?
• Match the content: Align your course content with the appropriate format. For example, complex subjects may benefit from a structured course, while skill-based topics might work well as enrichment clubs.
• Evaluate your schedule: Choose a format that fits your availability. Live classes require a consistent schedule, while Self-Paced learning offers more flexibility.

Consider these factors when selecting the class format that best aligns with your teaching style and the learning needs of your learners, ensuring a rewarding experience for everyone involved.

Additional resources

Now that you’re familiar with the class formats check out these resources to help you create engaging and approved class listings:

• Class Formats and Attributes
• Sample Class Listings
• Format Map

A strong class listing can significantly boost your business on Outschool by attracting more families and showcasing your unique teaching style. Choose the format that suits you best and create memorable learning experiences today!