Writing Educational Content

👧🏽 Free Guide PDF: Children-Centered Design (https://lnkd.in/dfj52fNe), a lovely free handbook on children-centered design approach in Save the Children Finland — with activities, games, design process and tips on working with children, respecting children’s needs, perspectives and rights. Kindly written by Reetta Kalliomeri, Katja Mettinen, Anna-Maija Ohlsson, Sonja Soini, Hanna Tulensalo, Inari Savola, shared by Maija Hansen. Children are rarely invited to take part in actual design efforts. But to grasp their needs and perspectives, we need to engage with their thinking and behavior. This is a very unique guide exploring how to involve children in co-designing digital products with them, not for them. --- 🔸 1. Key takeaways 1. Ask explicit consent first — participation must be voluntary, never assumed. 2. Trust in children’s ability to talk about and express themselves. 3. Safety first: child’s ability to choose what to talk about, how, how much, how quickly. 4. Children find it easier to understand explanations that are supported with pictures. 5. Draw or use pictures of what is going on and what you’d like to understand. 6. Leave a picture on a wall, so children can easily go back to it to ask for more details. 7. Physically get down to the child's level — sit on the floor, not across a desk. 8. Take notes openly; tell children what you're writing and why, let them comment. 9. Close every session by explaining what happens next with what they told you. 10. Take note of how specific children behave alone and with others. 11. Listen to how children speak, and the words they use. Don't “translate” it. 12. Use props instead: sun/ghost/tree drawings, puppets, hand-built models, picture collages. 13. Cap group interviews at 6 children per 2 adults, so everyone actually gets heard. 14. For ideas, let children draw, build, or act it out rather than describe it verbally. 15. When children can't be present, keep their exact words and photos visible. 16. Notice when children describe the same issue differently for themselves vs. parents. 17. Adults will underestimate what a child finds imaginative or worth building on. 18. Give children with disabilities extra support, so participation stays equal. As Deb Gelman wrote, children communicate volumes by how they play, what they choose to play with, how long they choose to play with it, and when they decide to play with something else. Yet they don’t get as disappointed when something isn’t working. They just choose to browse or play something else. Designing for children is difficult. Children tend to lose focus and motivation. They quit when they get bored, and they move on if they can’t get anywhere quickly enough. They need steady achievements. So as designers, we need to appreciate, reward, and encourage small wins to develop habits and support learning — with progress tracking and gamification. Useful resources and books in comments ↓

𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗨𝗻𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱: 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀 (𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟰) We’ve talked about About Sections, Skills, and Visual Portfolios. Now, let’s focus on 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥. Your Content Should Help, Not Just Impress 🔹 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 Instead of just talking about what you’ve achieved, share your learnings and challenges. Example: “Here’s how I approached data visualization when I hit a creative block — and the unexpected trick that worked.” People relate to growth, not perfection. 🔹 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗲𝘀 Ask questions and share your thoughts instead of just broadcasting. Example: “What’s one small change you made at work that had a big impact? For me, it was setting daily micro-goals.” 🔹 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 Stories that show your human side without oversharing resonate the most. Share how a work challenge made you rethink your approach — or how mentorship shaped your career. 🔹 𝗕𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 People remember those who show up regularly, not just when they have big news. Post insights, lessons learned, or industry thoughts — even if they’re small. Your content isn’t just about showing off — it’s about building connections through value. LinkedIn LinkedIn News India #ContentCreation #EngagementStrategy #LinkedInGrowth #PersonalBranding

Nobody cares that you launched a thing. A new website. A report. A newsletter. A campaign. Cool for you. But for the rest of us? Snooze. The announcement itself isn’t worth my attention. The value inside might be. So if you’re going to post “We’re thrilled to announce…” — stop right there. Instead: - Lead with the problem you’re tackling: “Too many families are being priced out of housing. Our new report shows where policy is failing.” - Share the juiciest insight or takeaway: “Did you know 1 in 4 students lack access to reliable internet? Here’s what schools can do now.” - Spell out who it's for and why they should care: “If you run community programs, this toolkit has 5 plug-and-play templates for you.” - THEN drop the link Your launch isn’t the story. The value inside is the story.

On the importance of writing in the age of AI. Writing is learning. Writing is the conscious training of our thinking and reasoning powers. Writing is scaffolding. Writing helps with the interrogation, synthesizing, assembling, and articulation of ideas and thoughts. Writing is thinking. Writing is the activity of resolving disagreements or holding disagreements apart as well as negotiating struggles and tensions. Writing is dialogical. Writing means entering into conversations with others, such as imaginary audiences, including interlocutors with whom we share an intense intellectual relationship or political vision. Writing is narration. Writing means moving beyond standard academic prose to craft narratives that are compelling and enticing. Writing is personal. Writing is about taking positions. There is always something at stake when we write. Writing is discovery. Writing means finding new intersecting positions through which to articulate knowledge and stretch the boundaries of what is known or knowable.

The One Prompt To Make ChatGPT Write Naturally: (save it for later, to copy & paste) Prompt: "Act like a professional content writer and communication strategist. Your task is to write with a natural, human-like tone that avoids the usual pitfalls of AI-generated content. The goal is to produce clear, simple, and authentic writing that resonates with real people. Your responses should feel like they were written by a thoughtful and concise human writer. You are writing the following: [INSERT YOUR TOPIC OR REQUEST HERE] Follow these detailed step-by-step guidelines: Step 1: Use plain and simple language. Avoid long or complex sentences. Opt for short, clear statements.  - Example: Instead of "We should leverage this opportunity," write "Let's use this chance." Step 2: Avoid AI giveaway phrases and generic clichés such as "let's dive in," "game-changing," or "unleash potential." Replace them with straightforward language.  - Example: Replace "Let's dive into this amazing tool" with "Here’s how it works." Step 3: Be direct and concise. Eliminate filler words and unnecessary phrases. Focus on getting to the point.  - Example: Say "We should meet tomorrow," instead of "I think it would be best if we could possibly try to meet." Step 4: Maintain a natural tone. Write like you speak. It’s okay to start sentences with “and” or “but.” Make it feel conversational, not robotic.  - Example: “And that’s why it matters.” Step 5: Avoid marketing buzzwords, hype, and overpromises. Use neutral, honest descriptions.  - Avoid: "This revolutionary app will change your life."   - Use instead: "This app can help you stay organized." Step 6: Keep it real. Be honest. Don’t try to fake friendliness or exaggerate.  - Example: “I don’t think that’s the best idea.” Step 7: Simplify grammar. Don’t worry about perfect grammar if it disrupts natural flow. Casual expressions are okay.  - Example: “i guess we can try that.” Step 8: Remove fluff. Avoid using unnecessary adjectives or adverbs. Stick to the facts or your core message.  - Example: Say “We finished the task,” not “We quickly and efficiently completed the important task.” Step 9: Focus on clarity. Your message should be easy to read and understand without ambiguity.  - Example: “Please send the file by Monday.” Follow this structure rigorously. Your final writing should feel honest, grounded, and like it was written by a clear-thinking, real person. Take a deep breath and work on this step-by-step." ___ PS: For better results, always use ChatGPT-o3.

Don't try to sound smart. Try to be useful. 3 years ago, I deleted my most "impressive" newsletter. 2,000 words. Multiple frameworks. Industry jargon everywhere. 14 drafts. It felt "professional." It felt "high-level." It felt wrong. That week, a CEO guest spoke to me before our podcast: "You know why I listen to your show? Because you make things simple." Then she paused. "But your newsletter... sometimes I need a dictionary." That changed everything. I opened my analytics that night. The pattern was clear: My "smartest" content performed worst. My simplest advice spread fastest. I had been: • Writing to impress peers • Stacking jargon on jargon • Trying to sound "intellectual" • Hiding behind complexity So I started over. New rules: 1. Write like I talk 2. No words I wouldn't use at dinner 3. Every piece needs a clear "do this" Example: Before: "Contemporary market dynamics necessitate strategic pivots in content optimization." After: "Test what works. Double down on what people love." That decision? It built my entire business: • The podcast grew exponentially • The newsletter became my main lead generator • Sponsorship deals rolled in • Speaking opportunities opened up Best feedback I get: "Used your advice. Landed the client." "Finally, someone who makes this simple." "Implemented this today. It worked." The truth about expertise: • Rookies hide behind jargon • Veterans embrace simplicity • Masters focus on impact This philosophy drives everything: • How I write • How I speak • How I teach • How I coach Because here's what I learned: Value beats vocabulary. Always. 3 questions before publishing: 1. Would my mom get this? 2. Can someone use this today? 3. Did I remove all the fluff? Remember: Your audience's success is your scorecard. Not your vocabulary. Today? That decision to choose simplicity over sophistication was worth millions. But more importantly: It actually helped people. // Agree? Simple or complex content - which actually helps you more? Share below. #ContentCreation #Podcasting #Writing #ValueFirst

🎧 #Storylistening for Instructional Designers (or how to get real stories from your SME instead of dry facts) 🗣️ Everyone talks about storytelling – and rightly so. Stories work! 💡 But what if your subject matter expert (SME) isn't naturally a storyteller? 🤔 Just listening to them recite a pile of facts? Not that helpful. 😐 You could find the same in Wikipedia. Or ask ChatGPT. 🤖 👉 So what should you do? Learn storylistening – the skill of not telling stories, but hearing them. 👂✨ 📌 The rules are simple: 1️⃣ Study the topic in advance – don't come in as an empty glass. 📚 2️⃣ Prepare questions – not as a checklist, but as a guide. 🧭 3️⃣ Listen carefully. And with curiosity. Yes, curiosity! 🧐 People tell better stories when they feel respected and heard. ❤️ 💬 Here’s a list of questions that truly encourage storytelling – the kind that brings examples, emotions, and turning points: 🎯 How did this process or approach first come into play in your work? 🛠️ Can you walk me through a specific situation where it worked especially well? 🌟 Tell me about a time when things didn’t go as planned – what happened? ⚠️ What’s the most surprising or unexpected thing you’ve encountered with this? 😲 Was there a turning point that changed how you see or use this? 🔄 What’s an example that you often use to explain this to others? 📖 Describe a situation where someone learned this the hard way. 🧠💥 Can you recall a moment when you or someone else had a breakthrough? 💡🎉 Tell me about a challenge you faced with this and how you overcame it. 🧗♀️ What real-life story do you think best illustrates the value of this process? 🏆 If I were watching this unfold in real time, what would I see? 🌈 And when the story starts flowing – don’t hold back: ✨ Really? Tell me more! ✨ Wow! That’s so unexpected. ✨ No way – what happened next? ✨ What were you thinking in that moment? ✨ And then? ✨ That’s brilliant – how did you come up with it? These questions aren't magic… But they create the space where real stories emerge. 🪄 And it's from these stories that strong, effective learning solutions are built. 🚀 #storylistening #LandD

I stopped obsessing over publishing… and that’s when my research career took off. (Here’s what I discovered) Four years ago, I believed publishing was the only path to academic success. My inbox? Empty. My collaborations? Stagnant. My impact? Limited to footnotes in other people’s papers. Then, I did something radical: I shared my work outside journals. A blog post about the LCA work I did for a partner. A LinkedIn post breaking down techno-economic assessment and process design methods. A webinar sharing my research outputs. Crickets. For weeks. Until a founder DM’ed: "Liked the recording of your webinar. Can you do something like this for us to verify our TEA?" A week later, an academic mentor slid into my DMs: "Saw your recent work on carbon capture. Can we co-write a research bid?" I wasn't sure what to do. This wasn’t “real” academic work. I’d been pre-conditioned to share my work only in scholarly journals and conferences. But suddenly, my research was solving problems, not merely gathering dust. So I leaned in. I built a simple system:  1. Every paper made available as PDF with posts on problem, method, outputs  2. Conference slides became PDFs shared with key takeaways  3. Complex science converted into trade magazines and blog posts The response? A FTSE 250 energy company invited me to perform a market study for their new direct air capture business strategy. Learned societies invited me as a keynote speaker for their events. And yes, citations keep coming, but now tied to real-world impact. Here’s what academia won’t tell you: Visibility isn’t vanity. It’s the bridge between your work and the problems it can solve. You don’t need 100 papers to make a difference. You need the right people to see your work. Now? I teach researchers to build this bridge. Because your career shouldn’t hinge on how many journals you’ve cracked. It should hinge on how many minds you’ve changed. Start there. Let the papers follow. P.S. What is the most significant challenge that pre ents you getting your research seen by others? #science #scientist #research #publishing #phd #postdoctoral #professor #academia #highereducation

Smart people sound dumb when they try to sound smart. (and a Nobel Prize winner proved it). Richard Feynman was a late talker. Didn't say a word until he was three. His teachers thought he was slow. He went on to win the Nobel Prize in Physics. But here's what made him different: He could explain quantum physics to a five-year-old. While other professors hid behind jargon, Feynman exposed the truth—complexity is often a mask for shallow understanding. The research backs this up. From lectures, we remember 5%. From reading, 10%. From teaching others? 90%. So Feynman built his learning method around teaching. I've used it to master everything from investing to psychology. Here's how it works: First, study deeply. Attack your topic from every angle. Books, videos, conversations. Fill pages with notes. Then teach it simply. Find someone who knows nothing about it. Explain using only simple words. No jargon. No acronyms. Just clarity. Next, find the gaps. Where did you stumble? Where did you reach for fancy words? Those are your knowledge holes. Go back and fill them. Finally, refine and repeat. Turn your explanation into a story. Share it. Improve it. Now you truly understand. I've watched billion-dollar founders explain their business in one sentence. I've also watched people use 47 slides to say nothing. Guess which ones succeed. This week: Pick one thing you want to master. Give yourself a week to study. Then teach it to someone. You'll be shocked how much deeper your understanding becomes when you're forced to simplify.

i built this prompt to make me proficient in any technical topic. it's been a godsend. it includes technical depth, but translates every piece of jargon into plain english with a real world example. feel free to steal it: 🧠 Deep Research Prompt Template (Extensible Version) Objective: Create a comprehensive research report on [INSERT TOPIC HERE]. The goal is to build a deep conceptual understanding of the topic — from its theoretical foundations to its real-world applications — so that I can use this as a launchpad for further exploration. Audience: A non-technical but intellectually fluent reader. I’m comfortable following complex discussions, but I’m not formally trained in this technical domain. Tone & Style: - Write in a clear, structured, and explanatory style. - Include technical depth, but translate every piece of jargon into plain English. - After each complex term, formula, or mechanism, provide: a) A plain-language translation (explain it like you’re teaching an intelligent layperson). b) A real-world, tangible example or analogy that makes the idea concrete. Content Requirements: 1) Foundations Section - Define the core principles, vocabulary, and historical context behind [TOPIC]. - Explain why this field exists, what problems it solves, and who pioneered it. - Use simple examples to show the basic mechanics at play. 2) Core Concepts & Mechanics Section - Dive into the key theories, processes, or frameworks that make up the topic. - Introduce any math, algorithms, or scientific models central to the field. - For each technical concept, pair the explanation with: a) A plain-language breakdown. b) A real-world illustration (e.g., from everyday life, business, nature, or technology). 3) Applications & Implications Section - Show how [TOPIC] is applied in real-world systems, industries, or technologies. - Include notable case studies or examples that demonstrate its impact. - Explain why understanding these concepts matters — what it enables or changes. 4) Integration & Broader Context Section - Connect this field to adjacent domains (e.g., how it interacts with math, physics, biology, economics, etc.). - If relevant, trace how the theory translates into practice (e.g., from code → circuits → behavior). - Highlight open questions or ongoing research frontiers. 5) Formatting & Accessibility Guidelines - Use clear headings, subheadings, and summaries at the end of major sections. - Define jargon inline, not in a glossary. - Use metaphors, analogies, or thought experiments liberally. - If helpful, include short “mental models” or “rules of thumb” to aid intuitive understanding. Output Goal: A research-style explainer (typically 3,000–5,000 words) that is educational, accessible, and intellectually rigorous — something that helps a curious but non-specialist reader gain a working, conceptual mastery of [TOPIC].