Unusual Formats for Educational Courses

Psychologist and coach, head of the soft skills department for personal effectiveness and public speaking techniques at ITMO University. I am the creator of the online school of interactive teaching methods Designica School, where I teach the skills necessary for successful communication and personal growth. My goal is To help people develop skills that facilitate effective interaction in a professional environment and confident self-presentation.

To make learning engaging and interesting, we actively use a variety of methodologies, including business games, debates, and facilitation. The unique format of one or two lessons can capture students' attention and immerse them in the topic being studied, but this does not guarantee that the rest of the course will be equally engaging. We strive to create a harmonious combination of different approaches to maintain a high level of student engagement throughout the course.

Creating an engaging course is a challenging task. The key to success lies in choosing effective methods and mechanics for the learning process that will ensure maximum student engagement and interest. Using a variety of learning formats, such as interactive assignments, group projects, and multimedia materials, promotes deeper learning. It is also important to consider the individual needs and preferences of students, offering personalized approaches. Regular feedback and progress assessments will help create an atmosphere of support and motivation, which will also positively impact the overall appeal of the course.

engage people in learning and retain their attention;
motivate learners to return to each new lesson as something interesting.

Six innovative mechanisms that will make learning engaging and effective. These approaches are suitable for a variety of settings, including corporate training, soft skills training, and traditional university programs. They can be successfully applied in both online and offline formats. Using these methods promotes deeper participant engagement and improves the quality of material assimilation. The introduction of non-standard approaches into the learning process allows us to create a dynamic educational environment that stimulates creativity and critical thinking.

Gamification

Gamification is the introduction of game mechanics into non-game processes, especially in education. This approach allows us to engage participants in learning through a captivating story or metaphor developed by the program's author. Gamification does not distract from the main learning goal and can even be integrated into existing programs. Participants remain in familiar reality, but have the opportunity to take on a game role and quickly receive feedback through reward systems, such as points and ratings. The use of gamification in educational processes helps increase student motivation and engagement, making learning more interactive and effective.

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Education for children and adults: a wide range of possibilities.

How it is used

The use of various technologies and methods in various areas of life is becoming increasingly relevant. Modern solutions find their place in business, medicine, education, and many other areas. For example, in business, process automation helps reduce costs and increase work efficiency. In medicine, new technologies help improve the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. In education, innovative approaches make the learning process more accessible and engaging.

Each application of technology requires careful analysis and adaptation to specific conditions. This includes studying the needs of the target audience, assessing risks and opportunities, and continually updating knowledge and skills. Thus, the correct application of technology can significantly improve results in any field.

Examples demonstrate that this mechanic can be successfully applied in a variety of fields. This confirms its versatility and effectiveness in solving a variety of problems.

A game character in the course. Typically, this is a fictional character with a backstory, and they go through the entire learning process with the students, constantly finding themselves in situations covered in the course, where they must make choices. Students, making choices for the character, learn from their mistakes. For example, in the ITMO Master's course "Personal Efficiency and Time Management," my colleagues and I introduced the character Arina. Arina has her own goals, values, and resources; in each seminar, she finds herself in a situation where students make choices for her. At the end of the course, Arina either achieves her goal, remains with the same knowledge she had at the start, or even worsens her life. The character goes through her own journey, and her experience becomes beneficial to the entire group.
The course is built on a narrative story scenario. As an example, I'll cite a successful case of my colleagues: they created a corporate welcome training for new employees. It was a video course with a plot about the first day of work. The course introduced the company's values and helped navigate key useful information. The video included freeze frames in which viewers had to make a choice in a difficult situation. For example, how to react and where to run if you, so handsome and elegant, are accidentally spilled with coffee in the elevator?
The course is in a game format. An excellent example of gamification is the Join TPU game, created several years ago for applicants to Tomsk Polytechnic University as an alternative to an open day. Using a video quest, future university students completed missions, unlocked new locations, and learned about studying at TPU through a game. Each new player was assigned starting points, and new ones could be earned by developing their skills. Participants had the opportunity to get to know the university and experience student life while still in school, win prizes, and receive an additional four points upon admission. While a typical offline event of this format attracts a few hundred participants at most, thousands joined the online game—the university attracted attention, stood out, and possibly increased the desire to choose it for admission.

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In this article, we will discuss the key aspects of game-based pedagogy and its application in education. Game-based pedagogy is a field that studies how games can contribute to children's learning and development. Experts in this field emphasize that games not only entertain but also educate, developing critical thinking, creativity, and social skills. Importantly, through play, children learn to work in teams, make decisions, and solve problems, making game-based pedagogy an important tool in the educational process.

When discussing game-based pedagogy, it is worth mentioning that they can be adapted for different age groups and educational goals. Using games in education helps create an engaging and dynamic atmosphere, which contributes to increased student motivation.

Read also: There are no mistakes in a real game: an interview with an expert in game pedagogy.

Creating a Project

An educational project is a practical implementation of ideas from a course or a solution to current problems faced by students. The main goal of the project is to apply the acquired knowledge in practice. This experience not only deepens understanding of theoretical aspects but also serves as a valuable case for students' portfolios. While working on a project, students can test their skills and master new approaches under the guidance of a teacher. The project can be completed individually or in a group, as well as in the format of a teacher project, where students assist the teacher, which allows them to clearly see how theory is applied in real-life situations. Thus, educational projects become an important element of the educational process, contributing to the development of practical skills and deepening knowledge.

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Practice-oriented courses often include project-based learning, which is an effective teaching method. This approach is particularly suitable for continuing professional education and advanced training programs. Projects allow participants not only to acquire theoretical knowledge but also to apply it in practice, which contributes to a deeper understanding of the material and the development of necessary skills in the chosen field.

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The type of project—group, individual, or teaching—determines the approaches and methods of work. Each of these formats requires specific techniques and strategies to achieve the best results. It is important to consider the specific collaboration and interaction patterns of participants to tailor the process to the specific goals and objectives of the project. An individual student project represents a unique opportunity for students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in a specific field. Such a project not only deepens their understanding of the topic but also develops critical thinking, creativity, and independent work skills. Students can choose topics that interest them, making the learning process more engaging and productive. An individual project also fosters the development of research skills, as it requires students to search for information, analyze data, and present their findings. It is important to structure the project correctly to ensure it is logical and consistent. A well-designed individual project can not only serve as a foundation for further study but also an excellent addition to a student's portfolio. Project-based learning, which is actively used in accelerators, is optimal for business-oriented education. Course participants have the opportunity to implement their first projects during their studies, making learning more engaging and motivating. The course's practical focus fosters a deep understanding of the topics and motivates students to continue their learning. The project-based approach also allows for the application of various management methods, adapting them to specific goals and objectives. Among the most popular methods are classical management, Agile, Scrum, Kanban, Six Sigma, and PRINCE2, each with its own characteristics and advantages in project management.

ITMO University, in collaboration with the US Embassy, launched the ITMO Advance continuing professional education program in 2019, aimed at supporting people experiencing difficulties finding work or advancing their careers. As part of this program, students learned new digital and business skills, received assistance in improving their English, and developed soft skills. I developed the curriculum for the "Entrepreneurship" module based on the concept of project-based learning, which made the course more practice-oriented and relevant for participants.

The essence of this project is to create unique and useful content that meets user needs and promotes their engagement. We strive to offer high-quality solutions that help solve pressing problems and improve the lives of our audiences. We focus on developing innovative approaches and effective strategies, allowing us to stand out from the competition. Our team is committed to continuous improvement and adaptation to market changes, ensuring the project's continued growth and development. Students chose business ideas that resonated with them, whether it was creating a pajama brand or opening a local tourism agency. Each program module included the step-by-step development of a business plan, including market and competitor analysis, target audience identification, and business model selection. After nearly a year of training, program participants laid the foundations for launching their businesses, and some have already taken their first steps in this direction. Students "lived" their projects, and even if they didn't achieve tangible results, they gained valuable experience and insight into their business preferences. A group learning project is an effective teaching method that promotes the development of teamwork skills and critical thinking in students. When working on a project, students unite to achieve a common goal, allowing them to exchange ideas and knowledge. This format of work helps improve communication skills and problem-solving in a team.

Furthermore, group projects promote a deeper understanding of the material, as participants can explore the topic from different angles. They learn to distribute roles and responsibilities, which develops leadership qualities and teamwork skills.

It is important for teachers to carefully select topics for group projects so that they are relevant and interesting to students. This increases student motivation and encourages their active participation.

Group projects can be implemented in a variety of formats, including research, presentations, and practical assignments. This approach not only diversifies the learning process but also helps prepare students for real-world work environments, where collaboration and interaction are key factors for success.

Group work is considered the most effective and convenient learning format. In the "Psychology of Entrepreneurship" course at ITMO, students selected business areas of interest, conducted market analysis, and collaborated on virtual projects. For example, they created concepts for mini-coffee shops and launched other small businesses. This approach not only facilitates practical learning but also develops teamwork skills, an important aspect of modern entrepreneurship. The "You Decide" forum, organized by Sber and ITMO as part of the "I Am a Professional" Olympiad, provides a unique platform for undergraduate, specialist, and master's students. Participants from across the country gather to attend lectures given by experienced professionals from Sber, Yandex, and ITMO. After the lectures, students form teams to develop projects on topics proposed by the partner bank. Participation in the forum allows young professionals to showcase their skills to potential employers and provides an opportunity to receive benefits when applying to master's programs. This significant event promotes the development of professional contacts and strengthens ties between students and leading companies in the technology and finance sectors.

The Teaching Project is an initiative aimed at developing educational practices and improving the quality of teaching. The project's primary goal is to create effective teaching methods that will help students better absorb material and develop critical thinking. As part of this project, teachers are working to create innovative courses, integrate modern technologies into the educational process, and implement interactive learning formats. The Teaching Project also facilitates the exchange of experience between teachers, allowing them to adapt their methods to student needs and the requirements of modern education. Participation in the project opens new opportunities for professional growth and development for both teachers and students.

Projects are open to both students and teachers, adding variety to the learning process. This method effectively illustrates the application of theoretical knowledge and provides an opportunity to assess students' level of material acquisition. For example, as part of the "Educational Game Designer" course, which was held on the Ra-Kurs platform, I invited participants to develop their own games on selected topics. At the same time, I initiated my own teaching project, also related to the game format. The project's topic and details were chosen jointly with the participants, resulting in us working throughout the course on creating a business game dedicated to goal-setting. This approach not only deepens knowledge but also develops teamwork and creative thinking skills in students. Selecting a game goal or, for example, brainstorming sessions helped course participants understand how to apply their newly acquired knowledge and, at the same time, seriously engaged them in the process. Participation in the selection also contributes to engagement by providing an opportunity to influence the program. Selecting a particular element (for example, a game component) allowed us to monitor how participants understood the material they had just covered: their answers included various options, and not all of them were correct. As a result, students acquired the theory, consolidated it in practice with a real-life example, and created their own project for their portfolio. And I received a ready-made game, which I plan to use in the future in my work with students.

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Hackathon

Hackathons originally emerged in the field of information technology. Their basic essence is that several development teams gather in one location, and the hackathon organizer announces a challenging problem. This could be developing a new program with specific features or finding vulnerabilities in existing software. Participants are given a limited time to solve the problem, usually from 8 to 72 hours, during which time the teams remain in the hackathon room. The team that completes the task the fastest and demonstrates the best results wins. Over time, the hackathon format has expanded beyond IT and has become widely used in various fields, such as business, education, and social technologies. Hackathons foster creativity, teamwork, and rapid problem-solving, making them a popular tool for innovative development.

In traditional programs, participants don't remain locked in a room for several days. However, there are educational programs that offer a similar format. Hackathons are attractive for their opportunity to quickly achieve goals, a unique atmosphere, and a significant prize pool. Rewards may include cash prizes or sponsorship for the winning project, a practice practiced by many large tech companies. Participating in hackathons not only allows you to test your skills but also gain unique experience working in a team, which is especially valuable in the field of technology and innovation.

Organizing a distance learning process is a complex task. It is necessary to find clients and sponsors, as well as mentors who can work effectively with teams. Furthermore, it is important to address numerous other issues related to providing participants with the necessary equipment and ensuring high-quality feedback. These aspects are especially relevant in the context of a complete transition to a remote format.

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Practice-oriented courses that include complex, hands-on tasks for group solutions can run the risk of boredom among students due to repetitive activities. In such cases, a simplified version of a hackathon is an excellent solution. It will diversify the learning process and increase student engagement, offering them the opportunity to work in a team and apply their acquired knowledge in practice. A hackathon creates an atmosphere of collaboration and stimulates creativity, which makes learning more interesting and productive.

How this method is used in different fields. This approach is widely used in various fields, including business, education, and technology. In business, it helps optimize processes and improve customer interactions. In an educational environment, this method promotes more effective learning and student engagement. In technology, its application can significantly increase productivity and simplify tasks. Importantly, the correct use of this method allows for achieving better results and increasing work efficiency.

In my practice, I have not used a hackathon in its classic format, but I have used a simplified version for the online defense of final graduation projects. This approach helped create a dynamic and interactive atmosphere that fosters creativity and collaboration among participants. The simplified hackathon format ensured effective interaction, allowing teams to quickly generate ideas and present them within a tight deadline. This experience became an important step in the students' education and preparation for real-world work.

Defending their final projects in a hackathon format provides a unique opportunity for participants to showcase their skills and ideas. Hackathons, as intensive events, allow teams to develop innovative solutions within a tight timeframe. During the project defense, participants present their work, share their experiences, and discuss approaches to solving the assigned problems. This not only facilitates knowledge sharing but also helps identify best practices in project development and implementation. The hackathon format creates a dynamic atmosphere that fosters creativity and quick decision-making, making the final project defense particularly engaging and rewarding for all participants.

During the corporate training course, 24 participants will present their final projects. Each participant has the opportunity to present a presentation and receive feedback from their peers. If each participant is allocated ten minutes to present, including time for questions and answers, the entire process will take over four hours. This highlights the importance of effective time management to ensure productive discussions and maximum benefit from feedback.

The challenge is that audience attention spans quickly decline. They can become tired of watching other people's presentations, even if the topic is interesting to them. This is especially true in online presentations, where most participants may become distracted after their "minute of fame" and lose interest in the rest of the presentation. This highlights the importance of creating engaging content and maintaining audience engagement throughout the presentation.

To improve the effectiveness of the participants' project defenses, a group format was introduced, allowing fellow students to actively participate in the process. This change encouraged students to not only listen but also actively participate, making the defense more interactive and engaging. As a result, participants were able to better understand each other's ideas and concepts, as well as receive constructive feedback.

Participants were divided into six teams. Each team was sent to a separate Zoom room for 15 minutes, where they helped one other participant prepare for their presentation. Someone gave a presentation, someone thought about what questions might arise during the defense and how to answer them, and so on. After preparation, everyone gathered for a general session and listened to the six speakers their teams had just prepared.
Following their presentations, teams were asked to distribute medals to their opponents whose presentations they particularly liked. Awarding a prize to one's own team was prohibited, but medals were either more or less than the number of teams—this way, they were divided fairly, rather than according to the principle of "friendship wins." This encouraged teamwork, generated excitement, and at the same time fully immersed them in the learning process.
In the next round, each team prepared a new speaker—and so on until everyone had presented their final project. The process took about seven hours, but no one felt tired because everyone was actively involved.

Simulation

Simulation is an experience that is as close to reality as possible and can be carried out in both offline and digital formats. Examples include driving simulators in driving schools and 3D atlases of human anatomy used in surgical training. The basic idea is that in a safe environment, the learner can go through the processes they will encounter in real life. This allows them to better prepare for future challenges and improve their professional skills. The use of simulation in training ensures deep understanding and practical application of knowledge, making it an important tool in various fields, from medicine to education and business.

Simulations have significant advantages, such as visualization of educational material and active engagement of learners. They help eliminate the uncertainty that arises when studying lectures or textbooks, as questions typically disappear after a simulation. This method was originally used in the training of astronauts, pilots, and drivers—professions associated with high risks. Currently, simulations are used in various fields, attracting attention due to the opportunity to practice practical skills without real threats. The use of simulations in training can significantly improve the level of material acquisition and improve the training of specialists.

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Training work processes that will remain unchanged in the near future is especially important. For example, classic laboratory experiments are likely to remain relevant for many years. However, in other cases, there is a risk that simulations developed for educational purposes may become outdated before they are implemented in the educational process, resulting in a mismatch with modern requirements and practices. Creating simulations, like any other technology, requires significant time and financial resources. It is important to consider that only relevant and modernly developed tools will effectively support the educational process and prepare specialists for real-world work conditions.

The use of various technologies and methods plays a key role in achieving effective results in various fields. For example, in business, modern technologies allow for process optimization, increased productivity, and improved customer interactions. In education, new approaches and tools facilitate deeper learning and develop critical thinking in students. In healthcare, innovations help diagnose diseases at early stages and improve the quality of medical services. It's important to understand that the proper application of technology requires careful analysis and adaptation to specific conditions and needs. This allows for the most efficient use of available resources and the achievement of goals.

An example of a successful simulation is the Virtonomica project, which combines elements of economic simulators and training programs for aspiring entrepreneurs. In this multiplayer project, without strict scenarios, anyone can try their hand at being a businessman, launch their product on the virtual market, compete with other players, or lead a large corporation. Although the organizers occasionally add new mechanics, the main innovations come from the players themselves. Additionally, the game offers a demo version, allowing players to familiarize themselves with interesting game mechanics and gain inspiration for their own business achievements. Virtonomica offers a unique experience that helps develop management skills and strategic thinking in a competitive marketplace.

An example of a successful project is a lawyer simulator developed by a participant in one of my courses. This tool is carefully designed and includes real-life cases that lawyers face in their practice, as well as organizational challenges that arise during the process. The simulator uses a variety of elements, such as text and animated presentations, as well as interactive quizzes, making the learning process more engaging and effective. This simulator helps lawyers better prepare for real-life challenges and develop their professional skills.

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Research

A research task in the educational process gives students the opportunity Formulate a hypothesis and test it in practice. This not only develops analytical skills but also deepens understanding of the subject matter. Students learn to collect data, analyze information, and draw conclusions, which contributes to their academic and professional growth. This approach to learning enhances critical thinking and prepares students to solve real-world problems.

Research helps students gain a deeper understanding of the topic being studied and choose the most appropriate methods and practices for themselves. Moreover, it provides the opportunity to develop their own system of practices. A wide range of methods can be difficult to perceive and remember, but a research approach helps overcome this drawback.

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This form of education is applied across various disciplines, allowing theory to be tested in practice. Medical students develop an understanding of specific diseases, make diagnoses, and experiment with treatment methods during each lesson. Future marketers research market segments, analyzing consumer preferences and behavior. Historians, in turn, study various phenomena and events in detail, which contributes to a deep understanding of the historical context. Practical application of knowledge enhances learning and develops critical thinking in students.

If the focus of research is on "software" skills, then traditional research can be replaced by self-research. This process involves self-knowledge and the search for unique solutions. Course participants analyze their capabilities and explore a variety of techniques that will help them, for example, achieve specific goals or increase their level of happiness. Self-study promotes personal effectiveness and improves interpersonal skills, making it an essential element in learning and personal growth. Self-study motivates students to learn and improve their skills. This process helps them understand their strengths and weaknesses, which in turn stimulates further development and a desire for new knowledge. A deeper understanding of one's own interests and goals makes learning more focused and effective, ultimately leading to high achievement. How it's used: This method's application spans a variety of fields. It is widely used in business, education, and everyday life. In business, this approach helps optimize processes, increasing efficiency and reducing costs. In education, this method improves student retention and develops critical thinking. In everyday life, it allows for more efficient management of time and resources, making life more comfortable and productive. Thus, this method is a universal tool for achieving goals in various areas.

In my practice, I have conducted several online self-exploration marathons organized through instant messaging apps. One of these marathons was dedicated to goal setting and was built on the concept of the "hero's journey" developed by Joseph Campbell in his famous book, "The Hero with a Thousand Faces." Participants in the marathon sequentially went through the stages of this journey, each with its own technique. For example, during the "initiation" stage, a balance wheel was used, allowing participants to assess the current state of their lives. During the "call" stage, the "goals-values" technique was applied, helping to identify the goal whose achievement will bring maximum happiness. These approaches promote deep self-analysis and effective goal achievement.

Our time management marathon is based on Ichak Adizes's PAEI classification. My fellow course designers and I developed a framework that helps participants formulate their own hypotheses about which time management methods will work best for them. This typology enables them to select the most effective approaches to organizing their work time, focusing on individual preferences and needs. Participants gain a deeper understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, which contributes to more productive time management.

Constructor

The course designer operates on a simple principle: the course designer creates content blocks, and participants independently select topics for in-depth discussion. It is similar to a game of Jenga, where it is impossible to completely remove a certain level, but we can extract individual blocks and experiment with them. This approach provides flexibility in learning, allowing the course to be tailored to the interests and needs of the participants.

The group project format provides students with the opportunity to actively participate in shaping the curriculum. It allows them to choose the materials and topics that truly interest them, which facilitates a deeper immersion in the theory. Without a thorough understanding of the theoretical foundations, it is impossible to effectively apply practical skills, and this approach helps to harmoniously combine theory and practice.

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Teaching extensive and non-core topics to a specific target audience requires a special approach. For example, a law course for economics students cannot cover all the material that lawyers study over four years. Therefore, it is important to develop a course that will focus on introducing the basic concepts and principles of law in a short period of time. Such an educational program will allow students to gain the necessary knowledge that will help them in their future professional careers, without having to study all aspects of legal science in depth.

The designer is suitable for both educational institutions and corporate training. This tool allows you to create adaptive and interactive educational materials, which promotes more effective information acquisition. Using the designer in the educational process helps develop critical thinking skills and promotes active student engagement. In a corporate environment, the designer can be used to develop professional development programs and training, which improves employee professional skills.

How it's used

The use of various technologies, methods, and approaches plays a vital role in the modern world. In various fields, such as business, medicine, education, and scientific research, the correct use of resources and tools can significantly improve efficiency and results. For example, in business, technology helps optimize processes, improve customer interactions, and increase competitiveness. In medicine, innovative solutions contribute to improved diagnosis and treatment of diseases. In education, modern teaching methods make the process more interactive and accessible. Using these tools and approaches allows you to achieve your goals and solve problems more effectively.

Several years ago, I developed a psychology course for ITMO students. The task was challenging, as knowledge of psychology is limited at a technical university, and I needed to engage students in the subject quickly to avoid disappointment. Since it's impossible to delve into psychology in depth in 5-6 classes, I used a constructive approach: I presented theoretical material in lectures, and students chose topics for further study and justified their choices. This approach allowed for active student engagement in the learning process. Those who didn't attend classes had no influence on the choice of practical topics, which contributed to increased attendance. As a result, the course became one of the most attended in my entire teaching career.

One day, I found a thank-you note from students in that cohort and decided to share it on social media. Their mentor responded to the post, and it became clear that several years later, the students fondly recalled the "Psychology" course. This engagement and interest in the topic is the best reward for a teacher. Moments like these reinforce the importance of high-quality teaching and building deep connections between instructors and students.

This article presents key points from the webinar "More than a Lecture: 6 Unconventional Ways to Deliver a Course," which was held on the Ra-Kurs online platform. We'll explore innovative teaching approaches that will help make your course more interactive and engaging. These methods are aimed at engaging students and creating an effective learning environment. The approaches discussed in the webinar can be useful for both teachers and educational organizations seeking to improve the quality of education.