Advanced Class Pathways

One of the best ways to retain learners and increase earnings on Outschool is by designing class pathways. These pathways guide learners through a progression of classes, keeping them engaged and building long-term relationships with families. In this guide, we’ll walk you through creating a class funnel that moves learners from beginner to advanced levels, tailoring follow-up classes to popular topics, and effectively promoting these pathways to families.

Step 1: Create a Progression of Classes

Engagement increases when learners feel challenged and see a clear path forward in their learning journey. Structuring your classes as a progression (beginner, intermediate, advanced) ensures learners stay invested in their growth.

Map Your Content:

• Identify a skill, topic, or subject where progression makes sense (e.g., creative writing, coding, music).
• Break the content into distinct levels based on complexity.

Define Learning Objectives:

• Clearly outline what learners will achieve at each level.
• Ensure objectives build on each other logically from one level to the next.

Design with Retention in Mind:

• Offer a mix of short-term and long-term classes to accommodate different learner needs.
• Use multi-session courses to deepen engagement at each level.

Example: For a public speaking pathway:

• Beginner: “Speaking with Confidence: Introduction to Public Speaking”
• Intermediate: “Mastering Speech Writing: Advanced Techniques for Public Speaking”
• Advanced: “Leadership Through Speaking: Advanced Presentations and Persuasion”

Step 2: Tailor Follow-Up Classes to Popular Topics

Learner interest often aligns with specific trends or high-demand areas. Use data and feedback to guide your next class creation.

Analyze Learner Data:

• Use the Insights Tab to see which of your classes have the highest enrollments.
• Look at family reviews to identify topics learners want to explore further.

Brainstorm Extensions:

• Consider adding specialized or niche classes that complement your current offerings.
• Example: If a beginner class on dinosaurs is popular, offer a follow-up focusing on “Prehistoric Creatures of the Ocean.”

Ask for Feedback:

At the end of a class, survey families on what they’d like to learn next.

Actionable Tip: Keep a running list of follow-up ideas based on family requests and learner engagement trends.

Step 3: Promote Pathways to Families

Once you’ve created a funnel of classes, it’s important to communicate the value of these pathways to families. Highlight how continuing through the pathway will benefit their learners.

Highlight the Journey:

• Use class descriptions to showcase how each level builds upon the last.
• Example: “After completing [Beginner Class], learners can move on to [Intermediate Class] to expand their skills.”

Engage Through Communication:

• Use bulk messaging to inform families about upcoming levels in the pathway.
• Include a reminder in post-class follow-ups about the next step.

Offer Discounts or Bundles:

• Encourage enrollment in multiple classes by providing package deals.
• Example: “Sign up for all three levels and save 15%!”

Actionable Tip: Create a FAQ section in your class descriptions to address questions about progression and prerequisites.

Building advanced class pathways not only engages learners but also positions your business for long-term growth. By creating a structured progression, designing tailored follow-ups, and promoting these opportunities effectively, you can turn one-time learners into loyal customers. Use the accompanying worksheet to start building your class funnel today.

Worksheet Outline: Advanced Class Pathways

Section 1: Mapping Your Pathway

Core Topic or Subject:

• Beginner Class Name:
• Intermediate Class Name:
• Advanced Class Name:

Learning Objectives:

• Beginner Level:
• Intermediate Level:
• Advanced Level:

Section 2: Tailoring Follow-Up Classes

Popular Class Insights:

• Class Name:
• Learner Feedback:
• Opportunities for Follow-Up Classes:

Brainstorm Extensions:

New Class Ideas:

Section 3: Promotion Plan

Messaging Schedule:

• Announce New Classes:
• Post-Class Follow-Up:
• Bulk Messaging:

Promotional Strategies:

• Bundling Discounts:
• Highlighting Class Pathways in Descriptions:
• Creating Visual Pathways:

Section 4: Action Plan

Top 3 Next Steps:

 1.

 2.

 3.

Completion Timeline:

 – (Set a date to launch your first class pathway)