11 components of highly effective cohort-based courses

11 components of highly effective cohort-based courses

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Publish Date
Mar 10, 2021
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Leverage these elements to create a transformational learning experience that fulfills your course promise and changes people's lives.
1. Onboarding: Let students reflect on their intention and goals. Measure their current state to show them where they are now. Then measure again at the end to show progress.
2. Community: Provide a space for students to connect, interact and learn from each other.
3. Curriculum: Teach concepts in pre-recorded videos, then go deeper in live sessions to create discussions and hear different viewpoints.
4. Breakout rooms: Many students feel more comfortable speaking in small groups than in front of the full cohort. Ask a question and give them the space to debate and explore.
5. Teaching style: Metaphors and examples make every lesson more memorable and bring abstract concepts to life.
6. Alumni mentors: They're only a few steps ahead, making them excellent guides who often convey lessons better than the main instructor.
7. Assignments: Learning happens when students take action. They'll be proud to have something concrete to show for at the end of the course.
8. Feedback: Getting feedback on the deliverables will accelerate learning more than anything else.
9. Support: Students should feel challenged but never confused. Support them with takeaway emails, reminders, and Q&A opportunities.
10. Flexibility: Adapt the course on the fly based on your students' feedback and needs.
11. Celebrate wins: Encourage students to share their wins and give shoutouts. This lifts everyone up and shows what's possible.
 
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