8 Best Cohort-Based Course Examples: The Enablers of Transformative Learning Experiences (2024)

Looking for cohort-based course examples? This article highlights some of the best cohort-based courses, showcasing their unique approaches and benefits. Discover how these courses create engaging, collaborative learning experiences.

What we will learn together:

• Cohort-based courses (CBCs) enhance engagement and completion rates by fostering community and collaboration, contrasting with the isolation often felt in self-paced online courses.
• CBCs offer significant educational and career benefits, such as improved completion rates, development of critical soft skills, and positive career impacts, exemplified by programs like Eskwelabs, AllWomen, WorkforClimate, and Write of Passage.
• When choosing or creating a cohort-based course, consider alignment with your learning objectives, the availability of interactive and community elements, and the use of appropriate tools and platforms to facilitate a dynamic learning environment. Learn how to create your cohort-based program with a cohort by joining the Disco Academy's free CBC course!

Are you seeking an educational experience that transcends the limitations of traditional online courses? Look no further than cohort-based courses (CBCs), where the journey of learning is shared, interactive, and deeply engaging.

In these dynamic environments, students progress together, participating in live sessions and flourishing within a community of like-minded learners. The key difference setting CBCs apart is their ability to foster connections and collaboration, which not only captivate students but also drive them to the finish line of their educational pursuits.

The rise of cohort-based courses is a response to a pressing need for more engagement and community in the digital learning realm. They address the stark contrast between lofty expectations and the reality of online education outcomes, particularly the abysmal completion rates that plague self-paced learning models.

By harnessing the power of group dynamics, CBCs are paving the way for higher completion rates and a more fulfilling learning experience.

What Are Cohort-Based Courses (CBC)?

Cohort-based courses gather a group of students who progress through the curriculum together, engaging in live sessions and collaborative learning activities, led by an instructor or a subject matter expert.

The shift to this model has been propelled by the realization that the passive consumption of online courses does not suffice for the active learning, community-driven experience that students yearn for. To create cohort-based courses is to provide an engaging and interactive learning environment for students, and the first cohort-based course was a testament to this innovative approach.

Unlike self-paced courses or what is commonly known as MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) that leave learners isolated and without a compass, cohort-based courses provide a roadmap for success. They offer a structured approach, where the entire group starts and finishes the course simultaneously, creating a shared educational rhythm.

This approach contrasts sharply with the solitary nature of MOOCs, which, despite their accessibility, suffer from incredibly high dropout rates.

Benefits of Designing Cohort Based Courses

The benefits of cohort-based learning are as diverse as they are impactful. Students in cohort courses:

• Has 80-100% program completion rates compared to self-paced course counterparts
• Immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of interactive and collaborative learning activities
• Foster a supportive community that bolsters student success
• Nurture the development of critical soft skills like innovation and critical thinking

Moreover, cohort-based learning, also known as cohort learning, is not just about academic growth; it has proven to be a powerful catalyst for career advancement.

Many participants in a cohort learning program report a positive impact on their careers, highlighting the real-world value of the connections and expertise gained through these interactive and community-oriented courses.

Today, let's delve into the best cohort-based course examples and explore how this approach has positively impacted students.

Student Experiences in a Cohort Course

Nothing speaks to the efficacy of cohort-based courses quite like the experiences of those who have walked the path. Students consistently laud the following benefits of cohort-based courses:

• Sense of community and peer interaction
• Enriched understanding and fostered a collaborative spirit
• Lifetime access to educational content
• Option to join future cohorts for ongoing growth and mastery

These features are highly valued by students and contribute to the success of cohort-based courses.

These testimonials underscore the transformative power of cohort-based learning, painting a vivid picture of a learning model that is as rewarding as it is rigorous.

The 8 Best Cohort-Based Course Examples in 2024

The burgeoning world of cohort-based courses offers a plethora of opportunities to engage in diverse and enriching learning experiences. From writing and investing to creativity and cryptocurrency, there’s a course tailor-made for your intellectual and professional aspirations.

Let’s delve into some of the top examples that embody the full spectrum of what cohort-based learning has to offer.

1. Eskwelabs: Bridging the Data Skills Gap in Southeast Asia
2. All Women: Empowering Women in the Tech Industry through Specialized Bootcamps
3. Newton Venture Program: Cohort-based Courses for the Next Generation of Venture Capital Leaders
4. WorkForClimate: Empowering Sustainable Change in the Workplace
5. Write of Passage by David Perell: Where Great Writing Happens
6. Terra.do: Empowering Individuals to Tackle Climate Change
7. d.MBA: Innovative Program that Bridges the Gap Between Design and Business
8. Customer Success Collective: Empowering Customer Success Professionals

Example #1. Eskwelabs: Bridging the Data Skills Gap in Southeast Asia

Eskwelabs is a forward-thinking educational platform dedicated to bridging the data skills gap in Southeast Asia. By offering a range of cohort-based courses, Eskwelabs equips students with essential data skills, such as data analytics and data science, through an engaging and interactive learning environment.

Their programs are designed to be accessible and affordable, ensuring that a diverse group of learners can benefit from the transformative power of data education.

With a strong emphasis on community and collaboration, Eskwelabs fosters a supportive learning atmosphere where students can thrive. Participants not only gain technical expertise but also develop critical soft skills, such as problem-solving and teamwork, which are crucial for success in the data-driven job market.

By leveraging Disco's tools, Eskwelabs can efficiently track student progress, provide personalized feedback, and foster a vibrant learning community. The platform's analytics and reporting capabilities also enable Eskwelabs to continuously refine their programs based on real-time data and student feedback.

This partnership with Disco has empowered Eskwelabs to scale their offerings and make a significant impact on the data skills landscape in Southeast Asia. Learn more about their story here.

Example #2. All Women: Empowering Women in the Tech Industry through Specialized Bootcamps

All Women is a pioneering organization dedicated to empowering women in the tech industry through specialized bootcamps. Their mission is to close the gender gap in technology by providing women with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed in this fast-paced field.

All Women offers a range of immersive bootcamps designed to equip participants with expertise in areas such as data science, UX/UI design, and web development different from traditional education.

These bootcamps are meticulously crafted to foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment. By combining hands-on projects, real-world applications, and mentorship from industry professionals, All Women ensures that their students not only gain technical proficiency but also develop critical soft skills like problem-solving and teamwork.

The emphasis on community and collaboration helps create a network of empowered women who are ready to make their mark in the tech industry. Learn more about their story here.

Example #3. Newton Venture Program: Cohort-based Courses for the Next Generation of Venture Capital Leaders

Newton Venture Program is another innovative educational initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of venture capital leaders. By offering a range of cohort-based courses, the program provides participants with in-depth knowledge and practical skills essential for thriving in the venture capital industry.

The curriculum covers various aspects of venture capital, from deal sourcing and due diligence to portfolio management and value creation.

Newton Venture Program emphasizes experiential learning, combining live sessions, real-world case studies, and mentorship from seasoned industry professionals.

This immersive approach ensures that participants not only grasp theoretical concepts but also apply them in real-world scenarios, fostering a deep understanding of the venture capital landscape.

The program’s strong focus on community and collaboration enables participants to build valuable networks, share insights, and support each other’s growth, making it a transformative experience for aspiring venture capitalists. Join their cohort-based learning courses run on the Disco platform!

Example #4. WorkForClimate: Empowering Sustainable Change in the Workplace

WorkForClimate is an innovative initiative aimed at empowering individuals to drive climate action within their workplaces. By offering a range of cohort training, WorkForClimate equips participants with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to advocate for sustainable practices and policies in their companies.

The organization focuses on key areas such as renewable energy, corporate sustainability, and carbon reduction, ensuring that participants can make a tangible impact on their organization's environmental footprint.

The programs are designed to foster a collaborative learning environment, where participants can share experiences, brainstorm solutions, and support each other in their climate action journeys.

With a strong emphasis on community and practical application, WorkForClimate not only educates but also inspires individuals to become catalysts for change within their professional spheres. Join the Work for Climate Academy!

Example #5. Write of Passage by David Perell: Where Great Writing Happens

Write of Passage stands as a beacon for those looking to hone their writing prowess and carve out a significant online presence. David Perell’s brainchild, which runs twice annually, has achieved monumental success, generating millions in revenue—a testament to its transformative impact on students’ writing and online influence.

The cohort-based writing course curriculum is meticulously designed to guide you through the nuances of crafting compelling content, providing both live sessions for real-time learning and a community platform for invaluable feedback. It’s an investment that pays dividends, not just in the skillset you acquire, but also in the network and visibility you gain within the digital landscape.

Example #6. Terra.do: Empowering Individuals to Tackle Climate Change

Terra.do is a groundbreaking platform dedicated to educating and empowering individuals to tackle climate change through actionable knowledge and skills. By offering a range of cohort-based courses, Terra.do connect learners with industry experts and like-minded peers to foster a collaborative and impactful learning environment.

Their programs cover various aspects of climate action, from renewable energy and sustainable agriculture to climate policy and entrepreneurship, ensuring that participants are well-equipped to drive meaningful change in their respective fields.

Example #7. d.MBA: Innovative Program that Bridges the Gap Between Design and Business

d.MBA is an innovative program designed to bridge the gap between design and business. It offers a unique cohort-based learning experience that empowers designers with essential business acumen.

The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including strategy, marketing, finance, and operations, all tailored to the specific needs of designers. By integrating live sessions, interactive projects, and mentorship from industry experts, d.MBA ensures that participants not only gain theoretical knowledge but also practical skills that can be directly applied to their professional work.

The program's emphasis on community and collaboration fosters a supportive environment where learners can share insights, tackle real-world challenges, and grow together. This approach not only enhances the learning experience but also builds a network of like-minded professionals who are equipped to drive innovation and create impactful business solutions. Learn more about their story here.

Example #8. Customer Success Collective: Empowering Customer Success Professionals

Customer Success Collective is a premier platform dedicated to advancing the careers of customer success professionals. By offering a range of cohort-based courses, workshops, and resources, Customer Success Collective equips participants with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the customer success field.

Their programs cover key areas such as customer onboarding, retention strategies, and metrics analysis, ensuring that professionals are well-prepared to drive customer satisfaction and loyalty.

With a strong emphasis on community and collaboration, Customer Success Collective fosters a supportive learning environment where participants can share experiences, gain insights from industry experts, and build valuable networks.

This approach not only enhances the learning experience but also empowers customer success professionals to implement effective strategies and achieve impactful results in their organizations.

How to Choose the Right Cohort-Based Course for You

Embarking on a cohort-based course is an investment in your future, but how do you choose the right one? Begin by examining the course material and syllabus to ensure it aligns with your learning objectives and fits within your schedule.

Group work and discussions are pivotal to the cohort experience, so look for courses that promote these elements, enhancing your understanding and fostering a sense of belonging.

Consider the following factors when choosing an online course:

• The course’s feedback mechanisms
• The availability of individual support, such as office hours
• Your own availability to fully engage with the course’s content and community interactions

These elements are critical to personalizing your learning experience and ensuring that you receive the guidance you need.

How to Create Your Cohort-Based Course Program

If you’re considering sharing your expertise with the world through a cohort-based course, start by selecting a subject you’re passionate and knowledgeable about.

Planning is key—determine the scope and structure of your course, ensuring that it offers a blend of active and passive learning opportunities for your students.

Building a community within your course is essential; provide platforms for students to connect and emphasize live learning to foster real-time interactions. As you navigate the challenges that arise, maintain a flexible and curious mindset, and be open to incorporating feedback to continually refine and improve your course.

Join the Disco Academy and Learn How to Create a Cohort-based Course With a Cohort!

Lastly, join a cohort of like-minded individuals who share your goal of creating impactful cohort-based courses. Enroll in the Disco Academy for free and participate in our specialized cohort-based course for aspiring course creators. Here's what you'll learn:

• Module 1: Understanding Cohort-Based Courses and Their Benefits
• Module 2: Identifying Your Purpose and Audience
• Module 3: Designing Your First Learning Product
• Module 4: Successfully Launching Your Cohort-Based Course
• Module 5: Strategies for Growing and Sustaining Your Course

In just two weeks, you'll be fully equipped to create your first course using the Disco learning platform powered by AI. Join us and become part of a vibrant community of course creators. See you in the cohort! Also, don't forget to try out Disco's 14-day free trial perfect for first-time users.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the key difference between cohort-based courses and traditional online courses?

The key difference between cohort-based courses and traditional online courses is the focus on collaborative learning and community engagement in cohort-based courses, while traditional online courses often lack this interactive and structured approach.

How do cohort-based courses improve completion rates?

Cohort-based courses improve completion rates by providing accountability, community support, and engaging learning experiences that keep students motivated and on track.

Can I create my cohort-based course on any topic?

Yes, you can create your cohort-based course on any topic as long as you're an expert in and passionate about that particular topic. Quality and effectiveness are crucial for success.

What platforms are recommended for hosting cohort-based courses?

I recommend using platforms such as LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, Teachfloor, Disco, and Zoom for hosting cohort-based courses, as they offer features for course creation, delivery, community building, and live sessions.

What should I look for in a cohort-based course as a student?

Look for a cohort-based course with a syllabus aligned with your goals, opportunities for collaboration and feedback, and instructor support to ensure it fits within your schedule and provides full engagement.