This course has great potential as it is an extraordinarily timely topic, domestically and globally. The accessible required reading assignments were thought provoking and topical. Also, one of the required videos proved helpful, and a couple of the optional Ted talks were "must see's" for anyone involved in the non-profit sector.

It was problematic that there was so little direction with respect to how one might access the required reading materials that were not linked into the course syllabus. In fact, one of the links provided simply directed the learners to a youtube video, extolling the virtues of the book wherein the required chapter was located. Another blatant colleague marketing technique occurred during the course of one of the required videos wherein the organizer interviewed an author about his book. (There was some helpful substantive information that came out of that interview, but for the most part, I felt as though I was watching an infomercial.) Requests for help fell on deaf ears, except for those of co-learners.

A small, but annoying, flaw was that the professors were simply reading text from their slides, for the video component of the course--with an additional word thrown in, on occasion, for good measure. It would have been less distracting just to have the slides to read.

I wish this course had been designed and taught to the standards I have come to expect from Coursera courses. It could have been one of the most valuable yet.

My overall experience with this Specialization, in general, and this 1st Course, in particular, is very positive.

On the positive side, I really like the fact that the Courses are practice-oriented and provide not only theoretical frameworks, but also insights from experts, practical guidance, and evidence-based best practices.

Also, the idea of applying Team-Based Learning (TBL), in the forms of Readiness Assurance Tests (RATs) and scenario-based RAT Application Exercises, for assessing participants' learning, is excellent!

However, there are a couple of downsides, that's why I'm not giving a 5 star positive feedback.

The first problem is that not all of the required readings are freely available via the Coursera platform, or elsewhere online. I appreciate the excellent quality of the chosen materials, but, if it becomes compulsory to spend more than US $100 for buying books, then the total cost of this Specialization elevates quite a lot, given that I had to pay €162 for it. On my opinion, there should be at least a note in the description of both the Specialization and the Courses about these requirements, in order to make an informed decision before enrolling.

The second downside has to do with Course 1 and Course 2 overlapping materials. I'm referring to guest interview videos. That's mainly a problem of the 2nd Course, as there are almost no guest interviews in this Course, and the one interview provided is already available in Course 1. I understand that the topics discussed apply to the topics of both Courses, but, still, I find it an unnecessary repetition.

The last problem is about the dates that the Courses are run. Course 1 runs during a given period, Course 2 is on demand, but it makes sense to attend it before Course 3, that also runs during a given period, which overlaps with the period of the 1st Course. Sorry, this makes it very difficult to attend everything and to seriously focus, as it's always about running for deadlines, especially when one has to produce three (3) Board Effectiveness Assessment Reflection (BEAR) papers :( .

Whether you are new to non-profit service, or have been volunteering and engaging for years, the course offers useful insights that can lend more substance and impact to your important work.

The worst course I've ever done. There's no such thing as paying the price of a course and don't learn anything. They give you some pdf with reading that you can get easily for yourself and some basic, simple and useful videos made with power point... I'm totally discontent.

The "Introduction to the Nonprofit Sector, Nonprofit Organizations, Nonprofit Leadership and Governance" is an important course for the people who don't has time to study in person. Especially those are working in development and or humanitarian sectors they need this course. I personally learn a lot form this course that is very much align with my job area.

Loved this course! I learned so much in so little time. The instructors of this course make it easy to learn and participate. Highly recommend.

Just needed a brush up and some resources for helping our board get oriented - Thank You

While you do learn a lot in this course, some of the readings are repetitive and do not have any added value, and rather waste time. I also believe that the assignments of week 4 and 5 should be divided differently so that the BEAR is due in week 5, and only the general assessment of organisations in your area is due in week 4. It divides the work better and allows you to peer review the essays separately. It may also help students submit on time.

They don't provide all the required readings. You need to buy in order to read. Doesn't seem fair.

Excellent course

Excelent!!! I love to understand the NPO and how they are govern. Also the types of NPO and the challenges that Board of Directors face.

Also, I have to said that this course was no too much time demanding, really good to me as I am a Full time employee.

I made an excellent choice by taking this course while planning and running my own project on Nonprofit entrepreneurship

Very insightful. Examples and issues discussed match situations faced in real boards.

Great readings and course material

it is very beneficial courses i will do hard to get benefits

Teacher was organised and coherent, lectures was clearly planned. Students however didn't seem particularly engaged with wide variance in understanding.

It was hard to learn from the materials that we have to buy. Please understand that not everyone who sign up for the course can afford to buy the books on amazon. Lack of those books are showing effects on the way we attempt the assignments. It would be great if download links or online study links are provided in the readings section for all the necessary books instead of only a few.

Great start of this specialization

Good and interesting course.

This is a really nice course! I am fortunate to be part of it!

Outstanding course

Great for enhancing your understanding of how non-profits are governed. I'd highly recommend this course for anyone involved with a non-profit organization.

Well thought through course with strong methods and tools

Excellent!

(Free version) This course has a wealth of information and resources