Employers are constantly seeking innovative ways to enhance employee development and drive performance. Brandon Hall Group™ research shows that cohort-based learning is a powerful approach that fosters collaboration, engagement, and knowledge-sharing among learners:
- 89% of organizations say the level of cohort-based and collaborative learning will increase or remain the same over the next year.
- 69% of organizations surveyed said cohort-based, collaborative learning is highly or moderately effective — compared to 27% when the question was first asked in 2020.
However, scaling cohort-based learning across large and diverse organizations presents unique challenges. In our latest eBook, written in partnership with Brandon Hall Group Smartchoice® Preferred Provider NovoEd, we delve into the transformative potential of cohort-based learning and how to achieve impactful learning outcomes at scale.
The Power of Cohort-Based Learning
Cohort-based learning offers a dynamic learning environment where participants progress through a structured program together, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. The top benefits include:
- Enhanced collaboration and networking. Learners actively engage with peers, exchanging ideas, providing feedback, and building valuable professional relationships.
- Peer learning and support. The collaborative nature of cohort-based learning enables individuals to learn from each other’s experiences, challenges, and successes.
- Real-world application. Cohort-based learning encourages learners to apply new skills and knowledge in practical contexts, promoting deeper understanding and retention.
- Increased engagement and motivation. The sense of community and shared accountability within a cohort fosters higher levels of engagement and motivation.
The Impact of Scaling
While the benefits of cohort-based learning are undeniable, scaling these initiatives across large organizations can be complex. The steps to success include:
- Maintaining engagement. As the number of learners and cohorts grows, you must ensure consistent engagement and participation.
- Facilitating interaction. Cohort-based learning thrives on peer-to-peer interaction and collaboration. Managing meaningful interactions and discussions at scale requires careful planning and facilitation.
- Managing logistics. Coordinating schedules, assigning groups, and managing communication channels for a large number of learners and cohorts can be logistically challenging.
- Adapting to diverse needs. As the learner population expands, so does the diversity of their backgrounds, learning styles, and goals. Providing personalized learning experiences at scale requires flexibility and adaptability.
The Critical Role of Technology
Technology plays a pivotal role in enabling organizations to unlock the full potential of cohort-based learning. A purpose-built platform like NovoEd offers a range of features and functionalities that streamline program management, facilitate interaction, and personalize the learning experience. NovoEd empowers organizations to:
- Automate enrollment, scheduling, progress tracking, and reporting to simplify program coordination and administration.
- Enhance group interactions and social features to foster a sense of community and encourage collaboration among learners.
- Leverage automation and a modern user interface to free up time for facilitators to provide personalized support and guidance.
- Utilize centralized learning paths and flexible learning journeys to ensure a consistent and structured experience for all cohort members.
- Gain insights into program effectiveness through comprehensive analytics, enabling data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.
Realizing the Benefits: Marriott International’s Success with NovoEd
Marriott International, a global hospitality leader, partnered with NovoEd to transform its leadership development programs. By leveraging NovoEd’s platform, Marriott was able to scale its cohort-based learning initiatives, resulting in a five-fold improvement in scale and 8,000 program completions within the first seven months. The company also witnessed improved outcomes such as increased team retention, employee engagement and customer satisfaction.
The Bottom Line
Cohort-based learning holds immense potential for organizations seeking to cultivate a culture of continuous learning and development. By addressing the challenges of scaling and leveraging the power of technology, like the NovoEd platform, businesses can unlock the full benefits and drive significant business impact.
Learn More
Download our eBook, Scaling Cohort-Based Learning: Benefits, Challenges, and the Critical Role of Technology, to gain deeper insights into the strategies and best practices for successful cohort-based learning at scale.
About NovoEd
Founded at Stanford’s Social Algorithms Lab in 2012, NovoEd is a capability-building platform that uses social and collaborative learning to drive alignment, performance, and mobility at scale. Through cohort-based experiences, NovoEd taps into collective wisdom, placing each learner at the center of perspective, application, and expertise. Large enterprises such as 3M, GE, and Nestlé partner with NovoEd to accelerate their critical initiatives and reconnect teams through learning that is felt, experienced, and swiftly transformed into impact.
