how to write homeschool course description for online class

by Brittany Powlowski 8 min read

The absolutely easiest way to write a course description is to copy and paste the description (or portion (s) thereof) that the publisher has on their website. Yes, I’ve done this; and I don’t think it’s a violation of copyright laws, for the simple reason that I’m not using it to make any money from, nor am I distributing it to the masses.

Format it in a way that's clear and easy to read. For each course description, write the course name, instructor and/ course provider, semester/year class was taken, # of credits, and grade received. A good course description will describe three aspects of a class: the purpose, the content, the experience.

Full Answer

How do I write a homeschool course description paragraph?

Write this homeschool course description paragraph the same way you taught your child to write a descriptive paragraph. Start by using a writing prompt, so you have a framework, and then you can be more creative later, as you become more comfortable.

Do colleges look at homeschool course descriptions?

Some colleges say they don't need homeschool course descriptions for admission, but most colleges require, request, or appreciate course descriptions. A wise homeschool parent will maximize scholarships by writing perfect homeschool course descriptions for core classes, electives, and delight directed learning.

What is a syllabus for Homeschool courses?

A syllabus is a chronological summary of a course that the student uses as a guide to help organize his/her studies. Here’s how and why to write syllabus for homeschool courses: First why create a syllabus? Syllabi use is an important study skill for college-bound homeschool high schoolers

When should I start drafting my homeschooler’s course descriptions?

We recommend drafting your homeschooler’s course descriptions starting in 9th grade or the year that you first start homeschooling high school, whichever is earlier. My young teen isn’t even thinking about college, you say?

How do you write an eLearning course description?

Attention Grabbing eLearning Course DescriptionsStart off with a thought provoking or compelling statement. ... Include keywords that are relevant and engaging. ... Avoid complicated vocabulary or industry-specific jargon. ... Use action words or phrases. ... Avoid redundancies. ... Keep it short and simple. ... Address them directly.

How do you write a course description for a transcript?

At a basic level, your course descriptions should include these core elements:School and teacher name.Course type (e.g., regular, honors, AP, or dual enrollment)Credit earned.Which textbooks and tools were used.An overview of what a student learned.Methodology and grade evaluation.

How do you write a transcript for homeschooling?

How to Create a Homeschool TranscriptStep 1: Make a list of all coursework and material the student has covered. ... Step 2: Look up your state's requirements for high school graduation. ... Step 3: Create course names and assign credits. ... Step 4: Enter the information into a formal transcript template.More items...

How do you write a classroom course?

The following are tips for writing a course description:The course description should be no longer than 100 words.Write from a student-centered perspective.Use present tense and active voice.Use clear and simple sentence structure and language.Use gender neutral language.More items...

How do you write a homeschool course description?

Format it in a way that's clear and easy to read. For each course description, write the course name, instructor and/ course provider, semester/year class was taken, # of credits, and grade received. A good course description will describe three aspects of a class: the purpose, the content, the experience.

Do homeschool transcripts need to be notarized?

You don't need to get your transcript notarized. Your homeschool transcript is official because you are the counselor, the supervisor of a legitimate homeschool. However, it is your job to create one that provides context and shows you took your homeschooler's education seriously.

How can I make a fake transcript?

There are two ways; you can obtain fake certificates – either edit the certificate on your own or hire a professional. It depends on what you want and how you want. To fake your college transcript like a pro, it's recommended to buy a fake college transcript online from Diploma Makers.

How do homeschoolers get a GPA?

Now, for calculating the homeschool GPA Assign each class a credit value. Assign each class a numerical grade. Multiply each class credit by its numerical grade. That gives you the grade point for that particular class.

What is a good course description?

Course descriptions should be clear, concise, and written for a student audience, but are also accessed by parents, other universities for transfer credit evaluation, employers, and accrediting bodies.

What should be in a course description?

Your description should focus upon the content of the course or the learner, not upon the course itself or you as the teacher. To attract learners, the description should emphasize the benefits to the learner coming from either the results of attending the course or from the value of the subject matter itself.

How do I write an online course?

How to create an online courseChoose the right subject matter.Test your idea.Research the topic extensively.Write a course outline.Create the course content.Bring your course online.Sell your online course.Market your content.More items...•

What are homeschool course descriptions?

For homeschoolers applying to college, course descriptions are a document that provides a brief overview of each high school course taken by the homeschool student.

What should a homeschool instructor do?

The homeschool instructor should detail the syllabi and time dedicated to each discipline. It is expected that the home-schooled curriculum will conform to or exceed the standards of the student’s state-mandated curriculum.”. So, while schools may not use the term “Course Descriptions,” it’s exactly what they’re seeking.

How to upload course descriptions on Common App?

Where to Upload Course Descriptions in the Common App. Step 1. In your Common App counselor account, click on “Students” in the left sidebar. Then click on your homeschooler’s name. Step 2. Click on School Report in the left tab. Step 3.

How to write a transcript for a college class?

Here’s a guide to make writing them a bit easier: 1 Self designed courses: Find similar classes online and use their course descriptions as a guide when writing your own. 2 Community college courses: Copy and paste from the course catalog. 3 Former high school courses: No need to write these, but remember to request that a transcript is sent directly to each college. 4 Online Classes: Copy and paste from the online course website. Many times the syllabus is posted. 5 Textbooks: Use the summary listed on the publisher’s website. 6 Tutor: Ask if they will write one for you.

What do homeschoolers need to provide to USC?

University of Southern California (USC): “Home-schooled students need to provide us with detailed syllabi of courses, names of textbooks, details of any assistance you are receiving or curriculum you are following through any public or private agency, and any additional information that may be helpful in our review of your application.”

Do course descriptions have the same elements?

While some families choose to be more detailed than others, course descriptions tend to have the same elements in common.

Do you need to write a transcript for former high school classes?

Former high school courses: No need to write these, but remember to request that a transcript is sent directly to each college.

When to write homeschool course descriptions?

We recommend drafting your homeschooler’s course descriptions starting in 9th grade or the year that you first start homeschooling high school, whichever is earlier. My young teen isn’t even thinking about college, you say? Write it anyway. If you wait to write them only in senior year, you risk adding to your and your senior’s already very full plate during applications season. Not only that, you could have also forgotten a lot of the work you accomplished together in the earlier high school years.

What is a course description?

Course descriptions are simply, exactly that: a document that lists and describes all the courses your homeschooled high schooler took (or will take) from 9th to 12th grade. They give admissions committees very helpful insight into your child’s homeschool journey and academic preparation for college.

What to call a self-created class?

Include the class provider’s name if the course was outsourced. If it was a self-created class, you can call it homeschooled or independent study.

How many pages are in a course description?

Course descriptions can range anywhere from 1-40 pages. We suggest brevity and common sense.

Is English 9 good for homeschool?

Simply follow the same example as your homeschool transcript for easy reference. Choose a descriptive course title. English 9 is completely fine but it does not describe the absolutely amazing medieval literature study your freshman might have completed.

Do homeschoolers have to jump through hoops?

Homeschoolers often have to jump through additional hoops during college applications. Always check college websites for what they look for in homeschooled applicants. Many college websites now feature homeschool-specific information. If they don’t (or even if they do) we always suggest contacting the colleges for details.

What is a course description?

Course descriptions are brief but detailed descriptions of your homeschool high schoolers’ courses. Often, these descriptions are created for:

Philosophy in Four Questions

At the completion of this course, the student will be able to demonstrate an introductory knowledge and application of philosophy through the four philosopher’s questions:

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What is included in a syllabus?

The syllabus often includes: Name of text (often including author, publisher, edition and isbn if applicable) Other materials that will be used. Brief summary of the purpose and goals of the course. Grading scale. Due dates of key projects. Test dates and topics (or chapters) to be covered. Homework assignments.

Why do we need a syllabus?

First why create a syllabus? Syllabi use is an important study skill for college-bound homeschool high schoolers. Syllabi are great “proofs” that a student had a good curriculum in case they transfer to a traditional school or in case a college advisor wants to know what was studied.

When to write course descriptions?

Start early: It can be a good idea to write and keep track of course descriptions at the beginning of the school year, or at at a minimum during the actual school year. That way, when it’s time to assemble the information on the transcript, the heavy lifting is already done.

Why is it hard to know what a course titled “Introduction to American History” actually covers?

Because home schools don’t have the same uniform approaches as public or private schools , it can be hard for an admissions officer to know what a course titled “Introduction to American History” actually covers. More detail is needed, and that’s where course descriptions come in.

What is algebra 1?

Course Overview: Algebra 1 is an introductory high-school level course that covers key algebra concepts and builds the algebraic foundation essential for students to solve increasingly complex problems. Higher order thinking skills use real-world applications, reasoning, and justification to make connections to math strands. Algebra 1 focuses on algebraic thinking and multiple representations—verbal, numeric, symbolic, and graphical. Mathematical situations are also modeled through graphing calculator labs.

Do colleges require course descriptions?

As always, check the requirements of your college: Some schools require course descriptions, while others don’t. Most times, you can easily check to see whether a given institution asks for these by searching its website, but you can also call the admissions department directly.

Can you duplicate a high school class?

Feel free to duplicate your work: If a student takes the same type of course multiple semesters throughout high school, it’s OK to use the same course description for each one. Just ensure the courses are truly identical. If different topics are covered or capacities are learned, you should craft a distinct description.

Is course description important for admissions?

Well-written, comprehensive course descriptions aren’t just important for admissions departments, though. Other entities (such as scholarship committees) might want to see this added detail, too! So it always pays to have them prepared alongside your transcript.

How long do you have to evaluate an annual course?

You have 100 days to evaluate an annual course. If it doesn't meet your expectations, we'll withdraw your student and give you a full refund.

Can you rest easy about writing skills?

You can rest easy about writing skills.

Is homeschooling a good experience?

We believe homeschooling should be a positive, fulfilling experience for the whole family. We want to help you get there by taking the pressure off in this challenging area. We teach your teens writing so you don’t have to, leaving you time and energy to devote to the parts of homeschooling you most enjoy.

What is the first job of a homeschooler?

Your first job is to hone in on what you really want your homeschool — not just your curriculum — to accomplish. If you’ve never made a homeschool mission statement, here’s your chance. (If you have a homeschool mission statement, revisit it to make sure it still reflects your homeschool’s spirit and goals.)

How to plan a curriculum?

Look at as many existing curricula in your topic area as you can: Check online for freebies, search your bookshelves, borrow copies from friends, scour textbook tables of contents. Keep a notebook, a Pinterest board, or a master document on your computer where you can make lists of things like topics covered, reading lists, organization, projects and activities, special tools or equipment, and anything else that feels relevant to your project.

What makes a school year run more smoothly?

Nothing makes a school year run more smoothly than spending some summer hours creating a specific plan for the following academic year.

Is curriculum one size fits all?

One of the biggest complaints about public school education standards is the notion that any packaged curriculum can be one-size-fits-all, but it’s easy to feel intimidated by the notion of eschewing professionally produced curriculum for a DIY version. Don’t you have to be an expert or a great writer or a professional educator to write a curriculum? Of course you don’t.

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