Special Delivery Cohort based Learning Models Martha L

Special Delivery: Cohort –based Learning Models Martha L. Banz College of Liberal Studies The University of Oklahoma

What is ‘cohort’ learning? A “cohort” is structured so that students progress through a series of courses together Designed to facilitate the building of a ‘learning community’ Not a new phenomenon Several different cohort models Optimal group size is 12 -25

P o o l Course 1 Course 2 Course 3 Etc Group Remains Together for the Entire Program Cohort defined by time of admission Program Completion ‘Lock-step’ Cohort Entry Cohort A p p l I c a n t

‘Lock-step’ Model: Pros & Cons Pros: Cons: Program & course commonality can build and sustain learning community effectively Requires sequence regimentation in order to retain intact cohort Team-based learning is facilitated Cohort dynamic is crucial to success Predictability in enrollment Dealing with stopout & re-entry Higher retention & graduation

‘Modified’ Cohort Course B Course C Course 1 Course 2 P o o l Course 3 Course D Course E Etc. Cohort intact for Program CORE Cohort not required for Electives Program Completion Course A Entry Cohort A p p l I c a n t

Modified Cohort Model: Pros & Cons Pros: Cons: Early phase of common courses allows community to be built Requires CORE sequence regimentation Allows team-based learning throughout CORE sequnce Cohort dynamic is still crucial to success Predictability in enrollment for CORE Enrollment in electives may be uneven Less regimentation than full lock-step format Lose cohort ‘cohesion’ during electives phase

P o o l Cohort defined by agency/organization Course 1 Course 2 Course 3 Etc Group Remains Together for the Entire Program Completion ‘Organizational’ Cohort Entry Cohort A p p l I c a n t

‘Organizational’ Model: Pros & Cons Pros: Course commonality provides learning community Team-based activities can be tailored to setting Predictability in enrollment Can be delivered on-site, hybrid, or online Higher retention & graduation Cons: Still requires some degree of sequence regimentation Cohort dynamic may be complex Dealing with stopout & re-entry If on-site, may be more administratively demanding

Comment INTENTIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITY ACCIDENTAL COHORT Inquiry-driven Learner-centered Problem-oriented Goss, J. (2007). Cohort Programs in Higher Education: Learning Communities or Convenience Groupings? Paper presented at American Educational Research Association, Chicago, IL

Summary Many variations on the above models Any model can apply in either face-to-face or online settings Cohorts provide powerful incentive for students to stay together Think about how your program might benefit from facilitating stronger cohort identity (even if not moving to full cohort model)