Executives & Thought Leaders share insights & strategies for
Leading L&D with Josh Bersin Academy
ELE Team-Leader Members can register online for this 5-week cohort program: PDF Flyer (2-pages)
Discussion Group 3: From Individuals to Cohorts | Experiencing Global Cohort Learning on the Josh Bersin Academy platform optimized to scale.
In this dynamic session, participants explored the power of cohort-based learning through the Josh Bersin Academy platform. The discussion centered on the shift from individual-focused learning to cohort experiences, emphasizing how this approach can drive sustained behavior change and enhance learning outcomes.
A key quote that resonated throughout the session was from Ann: "Sustained Behavior change is the outcome of a harmonized set of systems."
This sentiment underscores the importance of creating holistic learning environments that support long-term growth and development.
Key Takeaways:
1. Semisynchronous, Cohort-Based Learning Design: The session highlighted the effectiveness of a flexible yet engaging learning approach. This design allows participants to learn at their own pace while still benefiting from group interactions and discussions. The semisynchronous nature ensures that no one falls behind, as learners can easily catch up and remain part of the cohort experience.
2. Challenges in Measuring L&D Impact: Participants discussed the ongoing challenge of demonstrating the value of L&D initiatives, particularly for leadership development programs. While immediate results are often elusive, the session explored strategies for illustrating impact, including the use of engagement metrics, best practice data, and long-term outcome measurements.
3. Power of Peer Learning: The session emphasized the significant value of diverse perspectives within a cohort. Participants shared how insights from peers led to "aha moments" and fresh ideas, helping them overcome challenges in their own projects and roles. This collaborative aspect of cohort learning emerged as a key driver of engagement and learning effectiveness.
By experiencing this cohort-based learning approach firsthand, participants gained valuable insights into how to implement and optimize similar programs in their own organizations. The session demonstrated how the Josh Bersin Academy platform can be leveraged to scale this type of learning experience globally, fostering a harmonized system that supports sustained behavior change and continuous professional development in the field of L&D.
We are interested in diving deeper into cohort-based learning solutions and finding success using some or all of the eight principles:
- Well-designed social interactions
- A sense of safety and belonging
- Real people engaging authentically
- Opportunities for individual reflection
- Knowledge sharing and peer facilitation
- Arguing (constructively) together
- Learners, not instructors, at the center
- Human stories expertly told
Pre-read: Cohort-Based Learning at Scale – Eight Principles for Success (Nomadic, 2022)
