Course Structure Guidelines

1. Introduction

Welcome to Takbir!

This guide will help you design effective and engaging pre-recorded courses. The tips here are based on research and best practices so that your courses are easy to follow, impactful, and enjoyable for learners.

2. Course Length & Module Structure

Recommended setup:

• Short Courses (1–2 hours): 5–7 modules
• Longer Courses (3–5 hours): 8–10 modules

Why this works:

• A study on the Massive Open and Online Course (large online courses) found that learners usually engage for 3–5 hours per week, with courses running for about 7–8 weeks.
• This proves that breaking content into smaller modules helps students stay focused and reduces overwhelm.

3. Video Session Length & Engagement

Best video length:

• 6–12 minutes per session
• 15 minutes max (split longer topics into smaller videos)

Why this works:

• A study by MIT (6.9 million video views) found that engagement is highest between 6–9 minutes and drops quickly after 12 minutes.
• UC San Diego also recommends keeping learning videos under 12 minutes.
• Students in one study scored 9% better with short-form videos (8 minutes average) compared to long videos (55 minutes).
• People naturally have short attention spans (around 8 seconds) but videos extend focus and improve memory. Learners retain about 80% of visual content compared to just 20% of text.

4. Standard Course Structure Templates

Short Course (1–2 Hours | 5–7 Modules):

• Module 1: Introduction (welcome, goals, key concepts)
• Modules 2–5: Core topics (2–3 short sessions per module)
• Final Module: Wrap-up (key takeaways, next steps)

Long Course (3–5 Hours | 8–10 Modules):

• Module 1: Course overview and objectives
• Modules 2–8: Core content (2–4 sessions per module)
• Module 9: Practical application (case study, assignment, or demo)
• Module 10: Conclusion (summary, reflection, call to action)

(Research shows that courses structured into smaller, logical chunks improve clarity and completion rates).

5. Best Practices for Teachers

Keep learners engaged

• Add quizzes, small activities, or reflection prompts after modules.
• Use storytelling - research shows stories are remembered 22× better than facts alone (Stanford Business School).
• Mix formats (slides, visuals, examples) - infographic-style lessons are proven to keep attention longer (PMC Research).

Make it accessible

• Always add subtitles or transcripts.
• Use clean, consistent design for slides.
• Good sound matters: use a lapel mic or headset.

Pace it well

• Keep lessons short and focused.
• Recap key points at the end of each module for better retention.6. Visual Course Flow Example

6. Visual Course Flow Example

Module 1: Introduction to Islamic Parenting
 ├─ Session 1: Welcome & Course Overview
 ├─ Session 2: Parenting as an Amanah (Trust from Allah)
 └─ Session 3: Setting Intentions (Niyyah) in Parenting

Module 2: Building a Loving Home
 ├─ Session 1: The Role of Mercy and Rahmah
 ├─ Session 2: Effective Communication with Children
 └─ Session 3: Balancing Discipline with Kindness

Module 3: Spiritual Development of Children
 ├─ Session 1: Teaching Salah and Qur’an from Early Age
 ├─ Session 2: Building Love for Allah and Rasulullah ﷺ
 ├─ Session 3: Instilling Islamic Values in Daily Life
 └─ Session 4: Encouraging Good Deeds and Manners

Module 4: Emotional and Social Growth
 ├─ Session 1: Understanding Child Psychology in Islam
 ├─ Session 2: Managing Sibling Rivalry
 ├─ Session 3: Encouraging Confidence and Responsibility

Module 5: Challenges in Modern Parenting
 ├─ Session 1: Screen Time & Social Media Guidance
 ├─ Session 2: Dealing with Peer Pressure
 ├─ Session 3: Protecting Children from Harmful Influences
 └─ Session 4: Building Islamic Identity in a Modern World

Module 6: Parenting Through Different Stages
 ├─ Session 1: Early Childhood (0–7 years)
 ├─ Session 2: Middle Childhood (7–12 years)
 ├─ Session 3: Teenage Years (13–18 years)
 └─ Session 4: Preparing for Adulthood

Module 7: Wrap-up & Next Steps
 ├─ Session 1: Key Takeaways & Action Plan
 ├─ Session 2: Dua for Parents and Children
 └─ Session 3: Suggested Resources for Continued Learning

7. Quick Reference Table

By following these steps, your course will be clear, structured, and engaging - backed by proven online learning research.