Solid plan: Prepare courses that will be in demand.
Introduction
With technology evolving rapidly and new skills constantly in demand, educational institutions must regularly evaluate and update their course offerings to remain relevant. Failure to adapt curricula and instruction approaches leaves students ill-prepared for the modern workforce. However, with proper planning and research, instructors can design and promote classes that align with student interests and career needs. This allows schools to fill critical knowledge gaps, produce work-ready graduates, and sustain strong program enrollments.
Understanding Student Needs
The first step in preparing in-demand courses is gaining a deep understanding of what both current and prospective students are looking for. Their needs and desires should inform curriculum development.
Conducting Market Research
Instructors must look beyond their own institutions and conduct external market research. For example, reviewing employment reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals the most in-demand technical and soft skills employers are prioritizing. Media outlets like EdSurge and eCampus News provide insights into emerging edtech tools and instructional approaches. Attending conferences like ASU+GSV Summit connects instructors to wider trends and developments in higher education. Interviewing alumni who are now employers themselves provides localized workforce insights. Academic advisors often have their fingers on the pulse of subjects students most want to study.
Analyzing Student Data
Data from current students is equally important in identifying needs. Enrollment trends over time indicate shifting interests and allow forecasting. Surveys and focus groups gather direct qualitative feedback on ideal offerings. Required training on new software like Adobe Creative Cloud impacts desired course subjects. Monitoring outside factors like these ensures the curriculum evolves appropriately.
Developing Relevant Curriculum
Armed with a detailed understanding of student and industry needs, instructors can develop current, engaging courses that fill gaps. Offerings should provide required competencies through modern delivery formats.
Addressing Knowledge Gaps
Look for skills students desire to build but struggle to find offerings for. Introduce subjects on cutting-edge topics like robotics and cryptocurrency. Bridge the gap between theoretical academia and real-world practices. For example, a course on mobile development co-taught by a professor and iOS developer combines scholarly and applied knowledge. Fill null spots in the catalog with relevant, in-demand subjects.
Engaging Students
Classes must be participatory, not passive. Use case studies, simulations, and project-based learning to engage students. Have learners solve problems for real companies to link curriculum to career readiness. Bring in guest speakers to share their professional experiences. Using formats like online modules, videos, and discussion boards keeps students engaged. Require hands-on assignments, like developing a basic VR environment, instead of just tests.
Promoting New Offerings
Once relevant courses are designed, targeted promotion generates awareness and fills seats. Messaging should highlight career-readiness and use compelling testimonials. Email, social media, and on-campus flyers leverage diverse outreach channels. Strategic promotions incentivize enrollment.
Crafting Compelling Messaging
Promotions should emphasize real-world skills gained and post-graduation applicability. For example, "This course will equip you with JavaScript skills employers are looking for." Use quotes like: "I got my current job because of what I learned in Professor Smith's machine learning course." Summarize specific in-demand skills covered and any credentials earned. Note instructors' qualifications and industry ties. Showcase past student projects and success stories.
Leveraging Strategic Channels
Email students and alumni announcing new classes. Post on popular platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn. Advertise in campus publications, both print and online. Distribute eye-catching flyers in high-traffic academic spaces. Send targeted digital ads to prospects based on interests and needs. Offer discounts or other incentives for early registration.
Monitoring and Iterating
Data should drive ongoing enhancement of courses. Regularly gather participation rates, student feedback, and industry developments to identify needs for adjustments. Be willing to modify, cancel, or replace classes to meet demands.
Measuring Effectiveness
Analyze enrollment levels, completion rates, grades, and student surveys to gauge engagement and learning. Review ratings and qualitative feedback. Calculate conversion rates from prospects to enrollments. Assess outcomes through assignments, projects, and capstones.
Making Changes
Use insights gathered to modify subjects, formats, materials, and instructors to boost quality and engagement. Cross-list courses attracting diverse groups. Add or cancel sections to align with demand. Replace consistently underperforming offerings like Introduction to Java with more relevant alternatives like iOS Development.
In summary, creating courses that will be in demand requires thoroughly understanding learner needs, crafting current and compelling curriculum, promoting offerings strategically, and continuously optimizing based on performance data. With proper planning and iteration, instructors can ensure their catalog aligns with both student interests and industry needs. This allows schools to fill null gaps in knowledge, while keeping classes full and students prepared for the modern workforce.
