# How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improvin… Review (2026) — 8.5/10 > Independent review of How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing Course on EDX. Rated 8.5/10 by our editorial tea… Education & Teacher Training Courses How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing Course ![How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing Course](/api/media/file/hero/how-you-say-it-matters-course.jpg?width=800) # How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing Course — Review (8.5/10) This course offers practical, research-backed strategies for improving how academic institutions communicate with struggling students. It emphasizes emotional intelligence and institutional collaborat... Explore This Course How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing Course is a 3 weeks online beginner-level course on EDX by Stanford University that covers education & teacher training. This course offers practical, research-backed strategies for improving how academic institutions communicate with struggling students. It emphasizes emotional intelligence and institutional collaboration. While short, it delivers meaningful insights for educators committed to student well-being. Ideal for administrators focused on retention and equity. We rate it 8.5/10. ## Prerequisites No prior experience required. This course is designed for complete beginners in education & teacher training. ## Pros - Teaches evidence-based communication techniques - Developed by Stanford experts in student success - Practical for immediate implementation - Focuses on empathy and psychological safety ## Cons - Limited depth due to short duration - Most beneficial for higher ed staff only - Lacks interactive peer feedback components ## How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing Course Review Platform: EDX Instructor: Stanford University Updated Apr 25, 2026·Editorial Standards·How We Rate ## What will you learn in How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing course - How students feel and what they think when they receive communications about academic standing--and how this differs from what administrators intend - How students’ negative reactions, like shame and stigma, can interfere with their academic progress - How to write “psychologically attuned” communications that lead students to feel less ashamed and more supported - How to collect feedback to better understand students’ experiences and their reactions to academic standing communications at your school - How to work with colleagues to refine, implement, and evaluate revised academic standing communications - How this could apply to other communications ### Program Overview ### Module 1: Understanding Student Reactions to Academic Standing Approximately 1 week - Psychological impact of academic warnings - Student perceptions vs. administrative intent - Common emotional responses: shame, stigma, disengagement ### Module 2: Principles of Psychologically Attuned Communication Approximately 1 week - Foundations of empathetic messaging - Language that reduces defensiveness - Frameworks for supportive tone and structure ### Module 3: Implementing Change in Academic Communications Approximately 1 week - Strategies for gathering student feedback - Collaborating with institutional teams - Designing and piloting revised communications ### Module 4: Scaling Empathetic Practices Across Campus Additional resources and applications - Extending principles to other student communications - Building a culture of support - Long-term evaluation and improvement ### Get certificate #### Job Outlook - Relevant for academic advisors, deans, and student success staff - Skills applicable in higher education policy and administration - Increasing demand for student-centered communication strategies ## Editorial Take This course addresses a critical but often overlooked aspect of student success: the emotional impact of academic standing notifications. Developed by Stanford University and hosted on edX, it equips academic professionals with tools to transform punitive messaging into supportive communication. With rising concerns about student mental health and equity in higher education, this course arrives at a pivotal time. ### Standout Strengths - Research-Backed Framework: The course draws on psychological research to explain how academic warnings trigger shame and disengagement. It clearly shows the gap between administrative intent and student interpretation, grounding the content in real student experiences. - Empathetic Messaging Tools: Participants learn specific language strategies that reduce stigma and foster connection. These tools are practical, immediately applicable, and designed to preserve student dignity while maintaining academic standards. - Student-Centered Design: The curriculum prioritizes student voice by teaching methods to gather and integrate feedback. This ensures communications are not just well-intentioned but actually resonate with the intended audience. - Institutional Collaboration Focus: Unlike self-help courses, this program emphasizes teamwork across departments. It prepares users to lead change initiatives and align messaging across advising, registrar, and dean offices. - Transferable Communication Principles: While focused on academic standing, the skills apply to financial aid, conduct notices, and enrollment reminders. This broadens the course's relevance across campus functions. - Stanford Credibility: Being developed by a leading institution adds weight to the content. The association signals rigor and innovation, increasing trust among education professionals considering enrollment. ### Honest Limitations - Niche Audience Focus: The content is most relevant to higher education administrators, limiting its appeal to K-12 or corporate trainers. Others may find value but will need to adapt examples to their context. - Limited Interactivity: As a self-paced online course, it lacks live discussion or peer review components. This reduces opportunities for collaborative problem-solving and real-time feedback. - No Hands-On Practice: While frameworks are provided, there's minimal guided practice in rewriting actual institutional messages. Learners must self-initiate applying concepts to their own contexts. ### How to Get the Most Out of It - Study cadence: Complete one module per week to allow time for reflection and team discussions. This pacing supports integration into busy schedules while maintaining momentum. - Parallel project: Apply each lesson to revise a real academic standing email or letter from your institution. This turns theory into actionable improvements with immediate impact. - Note-taking: Document key phrases and tone shifts that reduce stigma. Create a personal playbook of empathetic language for future use. - Community: Share insights with colleagues responsible for student communications. Build consensus around updating institutional templates together. - Practice: Role-play delivering difficult news using the course's guidelines. Practice with peers to refine delivery and build confidence. - Consistency: Revisit course principles before sending any academic alerts. Make psychological attunement a standard part of your communication review process. ### Supplementary Resources - Book: "How's Work?" by David Yeager offers deeper insight into growth mindset and student motivation, complementing this course’s communication focus. - Tool: Use free sentiment analysis tools like IBM Watson to evaluate the emotional tone of your current academic messages before and after revision. - Follow-up: Explore edX’s other courses on student success and equity in education to build a broader skill set in supportive practices. - Reference: Review your institution’s existing academic standing policies and compare them to the course’s recommendations for alignment. ### Common Pitfalls - Pitfall: Using overly positive language that minimizes academic seriousness. Balance empathy with clarity to avoid confusing students about consequences. - Pitfall: Implementing changes without stakeholder buy-in. Secure support from leadership and legal teams to ensure revised messages meet compliance standards. - Pitfall: Treating this as a one-time fix. Sustained improvement requires ongoing feedback loops and periodic message reviews. ### Time & Money ROI - Time: At three weeks and a few hours per module, the time investment is minimal. Busy professionals can complete it without disrupting workflow. - Cost-to-value: The paid model supports access to Stanford-quality content. For institutions, even small improvements in retention can justify the cost. - Certificate: The verified certificate adds credibility to professional development records, especially for roles in student affairs or academic leadership. - Alternative: Free webinars exist but lack Stanford’s research depth and structured framework. This course offers a more rigorous and actionable experience. ### Editorial Verdict This course fills a crucial gap in higher education training by addressing the human side of academic policy enforcement. Too often, institutions send messages that, while factually correct, inadvertently alienate struggling students. This program provides a compassionate yet practical alternative, grounded in psychology and institutional reality. It empowers administrators to become advocates rather than enforcers, fostering student resilience instead of withdrawal. While brief, the course delivers disproportionate value through its actionable framework and credible backing. It’s particularly valuable for institutions aiming to improve retention, equity, and student well-being. We recommend it to academic advisors, deans, and policy designers who want to transform bureaucratic communication into a tool for engagement. For a small time investment, it offers lasting improvements in how institutions support at-risk students. ## How How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing Course Compares | Course | Platform | Rating | Level | Duration | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing Course | EDX | 8.5/10 | Beginner | 3 weeks | | Exploring Global Festivals and Celebrations Course | Udemy | 10.0/10 | N/A | N/A | | ChatGPT Foundations for Teachers course | Coursera | 9.7/10 | N/A | N/A | | Mastering Rogerian Counselling Skills Course | Udemy | 9.6/10 | N/A | N/A | ## Who Should Take How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing Course? This course is best suited for learners with no prior experience in education & teacher training. It is designed for career changers, fresh graduates, and self-taught learners looking for a structured introduction. The course is offered by Stanford University on EDX, combining institutional credibility with the flexibility of online learning. Upon completion, you will receive a verified certificate that you can add to your LinkedIn profile and resume, signaling your verified skills to potential employers. If you are exploring adjacent fields, you might also consider courses in Agile & Scrum Courses, AI Courses, Arts and Humanities Courses, which complement the skills covered in this course. ### Career Outcomes - Apply education & teacher training skills to real-world projects and job responsibilities - Qualify for entry-level positions in education & teacher training and related fields - Build a portfolio of skills to present to potential employers - Add a verified certificate credential to your LinkedIn and resume - Continue learning with advanced courses and specializations in the field ## More Education & Teacher Training Courses on EDX Explore other highly rated courses in education & teacher training available on EDX to expand your learning path: - University Chemistry course 9.7/10 - Improving Educational Outcomes through Family Engagement course 9.7/10 - Managing a Diverse and Inclusive Workplace for Public Libraries Course 8.5/10 - Shakespeare’s Othello: The Moor Course 8.5/10 - Development Programme for Advancing Clinical Education 8.5/10 - An Introduction to Evidence-Based Undergraduate STEM Teaching Course 8.5/10 - New Zealand Landscape as Culture: Wai (Water) Course 8.5/10 - Quantum Computing for Your Classroom Course 8.5/10 - Coding for Your Classroom K - 3 8.5/10 - HP Digital Skills for Educators – Microsoft 365 Copilot 8.5/10 ## Top Alternatives on Other Platforms Looking for a different teaching style or approach? These top-rated education & teacher training courses from other platforms cover similar ground: - Exploring Global Festivals and Celebrations Course 10.0/10 Udemy - ChatGPT Foundations for Teachers course 9.7/10 Coursera - Mastering Rogerian Counselling Skills Course 9.6/10 Udemy - Directing the Actor: A USC course with Nina Foch 9.6/10 Udemy - Leadership Training for Autism Ministry & Caregiver Support Course 9.5/10 Udemy - Reading Comprehension: The Wild Robot Parent Guide Course 9.5/10 Udemy - INSPIRED BY REGGIO EMILIA: Creating the Outdoor Classroom Course 9.4/10 Udemy - Academic Writing and Research References using Zotero Course 9.4/10 Udemy - The Bible: What It Is, How We Got It, And Is It The Real Thing? 9.4/10 Udemy - Algebra I (Beginning Algebra) Course 9.4/10 Udemy ## More Courses from Stanford University Stanford University offers a range of courses across multiple disciplines. If you enjoy their teaching approach, consider these additional offerings: - Graph Search, Shortest Paths, and Data Structures Course 9.0/10 - Greedy Algorithms, Minimum Spanning Trees, and Dynamic Programming Course 9.0/10 - Essentials of Palliative Care Course 8.7/10 - Shortest Paths Revisited, NP-Complete Problems and What To Do About Them 8.7/10 - Evaluations of AI Applications in Healthcare Course 8.7/10 - Fundamentals of Machine Learning for Healthcare Course 8.7/10 - Understanding Einstein: The Special Theory of Relativity Course 8.7/10 - Rebuilding Our Relationship with Food Course 8.7/10 View all courses from Stanford University → ## Related Articles & Guides Deepen your understanding with these articles from our editorial team, covering career advice, industry trends, and learning strategies: - Build AI skills with the Google AI Professional Certificate - Python Tutorial: Best Courses to Learn Python in 2026 - CISSP vs CompTIA Security+: Which Cert Should You Pursue? - Coursera Data Analytics Professional Certificate: Worth It in 2026? - Best edX Courses in 2026: Top Picks by Enrollment and Career Value - Best Online Coursera Courses in 2026: What's Actually Worth Your Time - Udemy Online: What the Platform Actually Delivers in 2026 - OKR for Leaders: 7 Best Training Courses Compared (2026) - Generative AI for Marketing with Microsoft 365 Copilot: Professional Certificate Review - The Best React Courses in 2026, Ranked and Reviewed ## Explore All Course Categories Not sure what to learn next? Browse our full catalog of course categories to find the right fit for your career goals: Agile & Scrum Courses AI Courses Arts and Humanities Courses Business & Management Courses Cloud Computing Courses Computer Science Courses Construction Management Courses Cybersecurity Courses Data Analyst Courses Data Analytics Courses Data Engineering Courses Data Science Courses Design Courses Developer Courses Economics & Finance Courses Education & Teacher Training Courses Entrepreneurship Courses Excel Courses Finance Courses Game Development Courses Graphic Design Courses Health Science Courses Information Technology Courses Language Learning Courses Leadership Courses Lifestyle Courses Machine Learning Courses Marketing Courses Math and Logic Courses Music Courses Negotiation Courses Office Productivity Courses Other Personal Development Courses Photography & Videography Courses Physical Science and Engineering Courses Project Management Courses Python Courses SEO Courses Social Media Marketing Courses Social Sciences Courses Software Development Courses Supply Chain Management Courses Teaching Courses Uncategorized UX Design Courses Web Development Courses Explore related topics Teaching Personal Development Arts and Humanities Language Learning Social Sciences Explore Related Topics Best Education & Teacher Training Courses Learning Path AI Courses Browse All Courses ## User Reviews No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience! ## FAQs What are the prerequisites for How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing Course? No prior experience is required. How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing Course is designed for complete beginners who want to build a solid foundation in Education & Teacher Training. It starts from the fundamentals and gradually introduces more advanced concepts, making it accessible for career changers, students, and self-taught learners. Does How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing Course offer a certificate upon completion? Yes, upon successful completion you receive a verified certificate from Stanford University. This credential can be added to your LinkedIn profile and resume, demonstrating verified skills to employers. In competitive job markets, having a recognized certificate in Education & Teacher Training can help differentiate your application and signal your commitment to professional development. How long does it take to complete How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing Course? The course takes approximately 3 weeks to complete. It is offered as a paid course on EDX, which means you can learn at your own pace and fit it around your schedule. The content is delivered in English and includes a mix of instructional material, practical exercises, and assessments to reinforce your understanding. Most learners find that dedicating a few hours per week allows them to complete the course comfortably. What are the main strengths and limitations of How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing Course? How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing Course is rated 8.5/10 on our platform. Key strengths include: teaches evidence-based communication techniques; developed by stanford experts in student success; practical for immediate implementation. Some limitations to consider: limited depth due to short duration; most beneficial for higher ed staff only. Overall, it provides a strong learning experience for anyone looking to build skills in Education & Teacher Training. How will How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing Course help my career? Completing How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing Course equips you with practical Education & Teacher Training skills that employers actively seek. The course is developed by Stanford University, whose name carries weight in the industry. The skills covered are applicable to roles across multiple industries, from technology companies to consulting firms and startups. Whether you are looking to transition into a new role, earn a promotion in your current position, or simply broaden your professional skillset, the knowledge gained from this course provides a tangible competitive advantage in the job market. Where can I take How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing Course and how do I access it? How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing Course is available on EDX, one of the leading online learning platforms. You can access the course material from any device with an internet connection — desktop, tablet, or mobile. The course is paid, giving you the flexibility to learn at a pace that suits your schedule. All you need is to create an account on EDX and enroll in the course to get started. How does How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing Course compare to other Education & Teacher Training courses? How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing Course is rated 8.5/10 on our platform, placing it among the top-rated education & teacher training courses. Its standout strengths — teaches evidence-based communication techniques — set it apart from alternatives. What differentiates each course is its teaching approach, depth of coverage, and the credentials of the instructor or institution behind it. We recommend comparing the syllabus, student reviews, and certificate value before deciding. What language is How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing Course taught in? How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing Course is taught in English. Many online courses on EDX also offer auto-generated subtitles or community-contributed translations in other languages, making the content accessible to non-native speakers. The course material is designed to be clear and accessible regardless of your language background, with visual aids and practical demonstrations supplementing the spoken instruction. Is How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing Course kept up to date? Online courses on EDX are periodically updated by their instructors to reflect industry changes and new best practices. Stanford University has a track record of maintaining their course content to stay relevant. We recommend checking the "last updated" date on the enrollment page. Our own review was last verified recently, and we re-evaluate courses when significant updates are made to ensure our rating remains accurate. Can I take How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing Course as part of a team or organization? Yes, EDX offers team and enterprise plans that allow organizations to enroll multiple employees in courses like How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing Course. Team plans often include progress tracking, dedicated support, and volume discounts. This makes it an effective option for corporate training programs, upskilling initiatives, or academic cohorts looking to build education & teacher training capabilities across a group. What will I be able to do after completing How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing Course? After completing How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Communications About Academic Standing Course, you will have practical skills in education & teacher training that you can apply to real projects and job responsibilities. You will be prepared to pursue more advanced courses or specializations in the field. Your verified certificate credential can be shared on LinkedIn and added to your resume to demonstrate your verified competence to employers. ## Similar Courses Other courses in Education & Teacher Training Courses ![Improving Your Leadership Communications Course](/api/media/file/hero/improving-your-leadership-communications-course.webp?width=480) Coursera Business & Management Courses ### Improving Your Leadership Communications Course ★★★½☆ Coursera View Course » Enroll ![Academic Skills for University Success Specialization Course](/api/media/file/images/2025/07/Academic-Skills-for-University-Success-Specialization.webp?width=480) Coursera Social Sciences Courses ### Academic Skills for University Success Specialization Course ★★★★½ Coursera View Course » Enroll ![HarvardX: Improving Global Health: Focusing on Quality and Safety course](/api/media/file/images/2026/02/Focusing-on-Quality-and-Safety-course.webp?width=480) EDX Health Science Courses ### HarvardX: Improving Global Health: Focusing on Quality and Safety course ★★★★½ EDX View Course » Enroll ![Academic Skills for University Success: Capstone](/api/media/file/images/2025/06/Academic-Skills-for-University-Success-Capstone.webp?width=480) Coursera Social Sciences Courses ### Academic Skills for University Success: Capstone ★★★★½ Coursera View Course » Enroll ![Improving Educational Outcomes through Family Engagement course](/api/media/file/images/2026/02/Improving-Educational-Outcomes-through-Family-Engagement.webp?width=480) EDX Education & Teacher Training Courses ### Improving Educational Outcomes through Family Engagement course ★★★★½ EDX View Course » Enroll ![Learn English: Advanced Academic Speaking and Listening Specialization Course](/api/media/file/images/2025/04/Learn-English-Advanced-Academic-Speaking-and-Listening-Specialization.webp?width=480) Coursera Language Learning Courses ### Learn English: Advanced Academic Speaking and Listening Specialization Course ★★★★½ Coursera View Course » Enroll ## Related Job Opportunities ### High School Teacher Asian College Of Teachers is a trading brand of TTA Training Pvt. Ltd Warszawa, PL Full-Time PLN 54–86/yr ### Alternance chargé(e) de communication & marketing produit SaaS - Paris (F/H) OKTOGONE Paris, FR Full-Time ### Bautechnik Freileitungsmast Planung Infrastruktur (m/w/d) 50Hertz Transmission GmbH Berlin, DE Full-Time ### Ingenieur Energietechnik als Projektmanager Inbetriebnahme & Dokumentation (m/w/d) 50Hertz Transmission GmbH Berlin, DE Full-Time ### IT Governance Compliance Managerin (m/w/d) 50Hertz Transmission GmbH Berlin, DE Full-Time Browse more jobs on JobsNearMe.career → ### Explore Related Categories All Education & Teacher Training Courses Explore Course Reviews ### Review: How You Say It Matters: A Toolkit for Improving Co... Your Name * Email (optional, not displayed) Rating * Your Review * ### Discover More Course Categories Explore expert-reviewed courses across every field Data Science Courses AI Courses Python Courses Machine Learning Courses Web Development Courses Cybersecurity Courses Data Analyst Courses Excel Courses Cloud & DevOps Courses UX Design Courses Project Management Courses SEO Courses Agile & Scrum Courses Business Courses Marketing Courses Software Dev Courses Browse all 10,000+ courses »