Five Design Elements That Lead to Teaching Success

Professors are hired because they bring expertise in their subject area. But most of them were never formally trained in all the elements that go into online teaching, such as course design, scaffolding instruction, or the science behind providing effective feedback. Knowing a subject and helping others understand it are two different skills. In fact, many faculty members say they would welcome support in this area.

This isn’t a flaw in professors. It’s simply how higher education has worked for a long time. Faculty are trained to be experts in their discipline. Teaching is often something they learn along the way.

The Growing Demands of Online Education

As more institutions expand their online programs, the expectations grow. Courses need to be clear and accessible. Without strong design in place, even the most knowledgeable professor can find their expertise buried under unclear instructions or confusing course layouts.

The good news is that institutions can support faculty without adding more to their plate. When smart instructional design is built into a course from the beginning, professors can focus on what they do best: explaining ideas, guiding discussions, and mentoring students — instead of answering repeated questions about where to click or what an assignment requires.

Practical Design Elements That Support Faculty

Below are a few practical design elements that help faculty teach well in an online setting.

Use LMS tools intentionally

Most learning management systems include tools that support teaching. Announcement features, grading tools, and video integrations can streamline communication and course management. Instructional design can help build these tools directly into the course structure so they are used intentionally rather than as an afterthought.

Use Consistent Course Templates

A predictable course layout makes teaching more efficient. When the structure stays the same each week, instructors can spend less time explaining navigation and more time teaching.

Include Clear Module Overviews

Module overviews help instructors communicate the purpose of each week’s content. Brief explanations of learning goals and how assignments connect to them provide useful context for both faculty and students alike.

Scaffold Major Assignments

Large projects are easier to manage when broken into smaller steps. Topic selection, outlines, drafts, and revisions allow instructors to guide progress gradually. Having this designed into the course from the start helps faculty monitor development and offer targeted guidance.

Build Feedback into the Course

Rubrics help instructors grade consistently and communicate expectations without repeating the same comments. Structured peer feedback can also support the learning process while reducing grading pressure. When feedback tools are built in from the start, instructors can focus more on meaningful feedback.

How Magellan Supports Faculty and Institutions

At Magellan, we understand the challenges faculty face, especially in the online space. Thoughtful course design can make teaching clearer and more manageable. We offer consulting, training, auditing, coaching, and course development services that help institutions support faculty. Reach out to us using the form below 

Author

Brittany Clark-Slaughter

Learning & Development Coordinator

Brittany Clark-Slaughter is a Learning & Development Coordinator at Magellan Learning Solutions with over a decade of experience in education. She has taught in K–12 and higher education and brings expertise in instructional design, curriculum development, and faculty support.