Frequently Asked Questions

Will this course help my writing?

Are you writing essays at the high school or college/university level, especially in humanities or social science courses?
Would you like to express your ideas more clearly?
Would you like the writing process to be faster, smoother, and more enjoyable?
Would you like to feel more confident about what you put on the page?
If so, this course is for you!

Is this a beginning or advanced writing course?

Within each Principle, the first video gives an overview of more basic content, while subsequent videos discuss more advanced strategies and techniques. In my own teaching, I've discussed ideas I present in the course with students at many different levels - from high school to college undergraduate and even masters-level courses!

Throughout the course, I discuss examples from types of essays that might be assigned at the upper high school and college levels.

While videos throughout the course do explain each component of an essay, they quickly move to more advanced content, so it is helpful for students to have some previous familiarity with the basic elements of essays (introduction, thesis, body paragraphs, etc.).

Join the course's free plan to see some examples of the content covered!

Is this a full writing curriculum?

The course can be used in three different ways:

1. It can guide you as you work on an existing school assignment. In this case, watch the content for each Principle as you are at that stage of writing, and then apply what you learn as you complete your own essay.

2. It can help you grow as a writer even if you don't have an essay assignment right now. The course provides an optional essay assignment you can use as a new writing project specifically for this course (available under Additional Resources on the course site). Complete course Principles at your own pace as you work on the essay.

3. Homeschoolers can use the course as a writing unit. Full details are available in the Homeschool Packet.

For best results, do not only watch the videos without putting the ideas into practice in your own writing! That would be like taking a course about how to play guitar but never actually picking up an instrument to practice! Applying course content to a writing assignment (either another course you're taking, or a practice essay of your own) will help you understand, remember, and grow into the concepts you learn.

Do I have to take the course from beginning to end, or can I jump around?

The course is designed to be useful in many different situations...even if you are stuck mid-semester and need some quick help on a specific topic! For example, maybe your teacher told you to work on your outline and it's due next week, so you need to learn more about that topic right away.

In this case, YES, go ahead and jump directly to any Principle that discusses a topic where you need help! Then as you have time, you can go back and cover any missed lessons.

Do keep in mind that within each Principle, it helps to watch the videos in order. This helps you understand when and how to apply the ideas I discuss in different videos.

Does this course have assignments?

The course is flexible and allows you to practice what you learn in the way that works best for you!

Course Principles each have a "What's Next?" worksheet that prompts you to reflect on course content, offers links for further reading, and suggests ways to put what you learned into practice. If you complete all the worksheets, you'll produce a full essay by the end of the course!

Importantly, the worksheets are very flexible, allowing you to apply what you're learning to an existing assignment for another class, OR to write a new essay specifically for this course: * If you're completing this course at the same time you're working on an essay assignment for another course, you don't need to start an extra writing project! Instead, just complete each Principle as you're at that stage of writing, and allow the "What's next?" worksheet at the conclusion of each Principle to guide you through specific steps to take on your existing essay. (It's almost like getting double credit for your work!) * If you don't currently have another class assignment where you can apply course principles, then you should work on your own practice essay as you complete the course. You can find this optional essay assignment under Additional Resources (toward the bottom of the course). If desired, you can also download the Homeschool Packet, which includes a suggested schedule, grading rubric, and more.

While this course is fully self-contained and self-paced, if you would like personalized help or feedback on your writing, I offer one-on-one online tutoring! See below under "Can I get individual feedback on my work?"

Is there a free plan?

Yes! You can join the course for free and access all content for Principle 2 (about thesis statements), as well as the course introductory video, course information, assignments, and other supplementary materials. Homeschoolers: This includes access to the suggested schedule, learning goals,​ and grading rubric.

After you join the free plan, you may upgrade at any time to view the remaining course content.

Can I get school credit for the course / Is the course accredited?

The course is not accredited and is not affiliated with any accredited educational institution or group.

The Homeschool Packet provides information and suggestions in regard to topics covered, learning outcomes, schedule, assignments, and grading rubrics. However, individuals are responsible to ensure that the course aligns with any necessary educational requirements.

I'm a minor. Can I sign up for the course on my own?

Minors may only sign up for and participate in the course with the permission and active involvement of a parent or legal guardian. Specific guidelines and ages are outlined in the Terms of Service for the course hosting platform Thinkific, available on Thinkific’s legal center.

What about accessibility?

The goal for the site is to make all content fully accessible, but there is still more work to fully reach that goal. Here is a summary of where we are:

Can I get individual feedback on my work?

This course is fully independent and self-paced. However, students who would like to discuss specific writing needs or want more individualized feedback can meet with me separately! My one-on-one tutoring sessions are highly personalized, as I tailor each session to your specific interests or concerns.

For students 18 and under, I tutor through the Outschool platform. (Some time slots are currently available for booking; if you need a time slot that isn't listed, please send me a message!)

For students over 18, please email me for more information or to set up a session.

Individual tutoring sessions are priced at $60/hour, but I sometimes offer discounts. If you're interested in tutoring but finances are tight, please contact me.