Write better so people learn better.
Make learning experiences more meaningful, compelling, and engaging by leveraging insights from neuroscience and learning theory, together with strategies that best-selling authors use. I’ll help you master the craft of inclusive, evidence-based instructional writing.
Let’s take your writing from “meh” to memorable in just six weeks!
Expert Guidance
Six 90-minute live, virtual sessions with hands-on practice, group coaching, and Q&A—plus a bonus precourse session and feedback on your writing
Practical Application
You’ll develop your own lesson throughout the course, plus get bite-sized microlessons and practice activities in your inbox to combat the forgetting curve
Valuable Resources
Access to useful writing references, tools, and a community of fellow learners to share your journey with your peers, ask questions, and get more guidance
Who is this course for?
I designed Smart Writing for Sticky Learning as a writing course for instructional designers and other Learning and Development (L&D) professionals who create instructional content.
- Instructional designers
- Learning experience designers
- Curriculum developers
- Training specialists
- L&D specialists
Anyone else who writes or designs educational content (such as technical writers, teachers, bloggers, and nonfiction authors) can benefit from this writing course. However, if you’re outside of L&D, you may not find the examples, activities, and templates relevant.
Invest in yourself to advance your career.
Communication is the top in-demand skill for employers globally in 2024
73% of employers are looking for candidates with strong writing skills
Look Inside
All sessions will be recorded, and you’ll get access for life!
Prologue
Writing Secrets to Make Learning Stick
You’ll get access to the recording of this webinar as a precourse warm-up session, where we delve into secrets drawn from neuroscience and learning theory. Learn fundamental writing strategies that boost motivation and engagement while enhancing learning. This is the only session that’s not live.
Chapter One (June 26)
Getting Started: From Blank Page to Sh*tty First Draft
Tired of staring at a blank page and a blinking cursor? Do you struggle with making sense of the content you get from subject matter experts (SMEs)—or finding content on your own? In week one, you’ll learn tools and techniques for organizing content and getting your ideas down on paper (or on the screen). You’ll practice methods for brainstorming and research, and you’ll begin the drafting process by creating an outline for your writing project.
Chapter Two (July 3)
Bare Naked Writing: Plain Language for the Win
People can’t learn from your content unless they can understand it. During week two, we’ll explore ways to reduce cognitive load through the art of using plain language. You’ll learn to tailor messages for specific audiences and employ specific techniques that improve readability and enhance learning. You’ll also get tools and resources to assist you in crafting clear and concise instructional content.
Chapter Three (July 10)
The Human Connection: Captivating Learners with Story
Stories provide context and connection that make learning experiences more relevant, meaningful, and memorable. In week three, you’ll learn to craft compelling scenario scripts enriched with inclusive language, realistic situations, and true-to-life dialogue. Leverage the power of emotion and human connection for learning.
Chapter Four (July 17)
Make It Shine: Polishing Your Writing
Refine your writing prowess with the precision of a wordsmith. During week four, we’ll clarify common mistakes and simplify concepts like comma usage and parallel structure. Don’t worry—the grammar police won’t be making any arrests! We’ll focus on rules and styles that help ensure clarity, not on marking up your hard work with an angry red pen. We’ll also embrace technology as our ally in perfecting every word and every sentence.
Chapter Five (July 24)
Not Just a Pretty Slide: Better Learnability Through Visual & UX Design
Harness the principles of visual design and user experience (UX) design to put the learner at the center of their experience. In week five, we’ll explore visual design fundamentals to enhance readability, accessibility, and learning. You’ll practice applying visual design elements and UX design principles to enhance readability, engage all users, and elevate learning.
Chapter Six (July 31)
For Good Measure: Writing Assessments
In week six, you’ll learn best practices for crafting assessment questions that accurately measure learning outcomes while avoiding ambiguity and “giveaway” answer choices. You’ll also practice writing activity instructions that clearly communicate the purpose, procedures, and expectations.
Epilogue
Putting It All Together
Submit a finished writing project to demonstrate what you’ve learned throughout the course, earn your certificate, and get personalized feedback. Let your writing shine so brightly it should be a CRIME! (That is, it’s Clear, Relevant, Informative, Motivational, and Engaging.) For the quickest feedback, submit your project by August 15. Feedback for late submissions may be delayed.
Hi, I'm Kayleen.
I'll be your writing coach.
With 25+ years of experience, I’ve empowered learners aged 10 to 70 to write with clarity and confidence. I began my career teaching English and writing. Later, as an award-winning instructional designer, I wrote the original Effective Writing for HR Professionals course used across the U.S. federal government. For one of my current clients, I’ve also contributed to multiple nonfiction books on mental health.
I hold a Master of Science in Educational Technology and a Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching from Oklahoma State University. In addition, I have a Bachelor of Arts in English Education from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, where I studied writing under best-selling author Billie Letts.
As a neurodivergent woman with disabilities, I’m thrilled to blend my love for writing with my passion for inclusion and accessibility in this course. My goal is to help you level up your written communication skills to become a more well-rounded, hirable, and promotable L&D professional.
I can’t wait to begin this journey with you!
Feedback from "Writing Secrets to Make Learning Stick" Webinar Participants
Actionable
“I loved how actionable it was and the presenter was great! One of the best webinars I’ve attended.”
Engaging
“Excellent presentation. Engaging, informative, and very helpful as I begin to dip my toes into more instructional writing.”
Thorough
“I thought you were thorough and concise. You got through a LOT of content in one hour and all of it was helpful!”
Interactive
“I love how you seamlessly monitored, engaged with, and addressed chats. It made participants feel heard.”
Research-Based
“Nice balance of research and personal stories. Modeled well what she was teaching!”
Instructionally Sound
“You actually practiced what you preach . . . I appreciate it when instructional designers apply principles of instructional design to their own presentation.”
Let's Get Started!
What You Get:
- 10 hours of virtual instruction (9 live, 1 prerecorded) plus recordings
- Hands-on practice with expert guidance and personalized feedback and writing mentorship
- Weekly email microlessons and bite-sized practice activities
- A writer’s toolbox with resources, tools, references, and checklists
- Learning community
- Course access for life (including updates)
Claim Your Spot!
Regular Price
- Choose PayPal > Pay Later at checkout to split the payment into four equal installments with no fee, or pay monthly.
Group Pricing
- Group pricing is available for groups of 5 or more. Purchase orders accepted. Email kayleen@scissortailCS.com to enroll.
If you want to enroll a group of 5 or more and need an invoice, please send an email with the subject line “Writing Course” to kayleen@scissortailCS.com.
Questions
If you have a question that isn’t covered here, email me with the subject line “Writing Course” at kayleen@scissortailCS.com.
