How do you choose a topic for an online course? | Manja Horner (2 of 5)
Manja Horner of Boost Learning Development reveals the three critical gaps every course must address: knowledge, skills, and mindset. She shares her learner journey mapping process and explains why experts who skip the basics lose students fast.
Show Notes
In This Episode
Manja Horner breaks down how to choose the right topic for an online course by starting with the learner, not the content. She introduces a framework built around identifying knowledge gaps, skill gaps, and mindset gaps — the three areas that make up a complete learning journey. Using her background in violin instruction as an analogy, Manja demonstrates how to map a learner's path from where they are to where they want to be.
Key Takeaways
- Start with your learner's pain points — survey them, interview them, run focus groups to discover their desired end state and the real issues blocking them
- Every course topic should address three types of gaps: knowledge gaps, skill gaps, and mindset or attitude gaps
- Experts tend to skip basics that are huge stumbling blocks for beginners — if learners get lost early, they bail fast
- Always run a pilot before launching: include beginners and advanced learners, use structured multi-point evaluation (observation, learner feedback, facilitator feedback), and iterate before the full launch
About Manja Horner
Manja Horner is the founder of Boost Learning Development, where she helps course creators and educators take their already successful programs and transform them into their life's greatest work. She brings a background in instructional design and violin performance to her unique approach to learning.
Connect
- Hosted by Adam Matossian and Alicia Jones
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