Managing a "cohort"
As a veteran of a cohort-styled vocational school, and now as an instructor in a similarly styled format, I have found that managing the individual needs of the students for recognition, acceptance, praise, competition, etc, is sometimes best juxtaposed against the group dynamic. '
My own experience is that the most lasting impressions of vocational school are those of my cohort - not the instructors, per se, or necessarily the administration or facility. So, knowing this, I feel I can capitalize on this dynamic by, in addition to individual needs, meeting the larger, and more diverse, personality of the group as well.
The benefits, to my mind, of this approach, are an enhanced learning environment that allows the individual to achieve more as students, and the cohort as a whole.
Cohort groups do indeed have its place. But, for those others in class with them that are not as out going this can sometime create isolation within the classroom. The first week of three I just observe the different groups then I randomly mix them up over the next two weeks. I have foud that it strengthens the class and brings some out of their shell.
Our school is 51 weeks long and until just recently, we were in lockstep. The development of unsavory cohort groups within the class was very real. An instructor needed to watch for the bad behavior that that sometimes caused. Fortunately, with the instructors all working together, we can identify the bad ones and work to separate them up.
Hi Danny,
You make a very good point about cohort groups. Instructors have to be very aware of how these groups function to make sure that the needed learning is occurring and that they are in control of the class not the cohort group. I learned this many years ago the hard way.
Gary
The selection of cohort groups can go the wrong way unless you are cautious. Left alone a careless or unfortunate selection can be more work than necessary. So watch closely in the early stages of the group activities and be quick to make changes before expectations between group members are set. Some of the most impactful benefit from cohort groups is from unlikely pairing. They can surprise us.
I am finding in my classes that when individuals are paired up with other students whom they like or are conversant with, the results and opinions of the students involved are great, but just try pairing up an "advanced student" with a "slow student" and you will never hear the end of it. Its all well and good to say that the "better" students will help their partners and become stronger from the experience, but in reality the "better" students feel as if they are being gypped or ripped off by being teamed up with someone who is not up to their speed.
Hi Jack,
You make a number of very good points about cohorts. Students need to realize that these cohorts will become a part of their life network. I encourage my students to create networks before they need them so they know the people they can call on at a future date.
Thanks.
Gary
Indeed, the students can learn and become enthusiastic about learning in a cohort environment if they also feel they can learn from each other.
