What is a Graduate School Cohort?

The Purpose of Cohorts in Graduate School

The reason the cohort design has grown in academic environments is because of an emphasis on active learning where students create their own learning within given guidelines through discussion and collaboration. The idea is that when students “own” their learning, they become invested in it. Such investment results in better retention and understanding of material. Graduate School Cohorts also provide a built-in support system for students work through what can be daunting courses of study.

Different Cohort Designs

The traditional model for cohorts in graduate school is that a group of students is assigned to work together throughout their entire degree program. In some programs, the entire class may work as a cohort, or in larger classes, the students may be divided into several groups. There is also the e-learning model where students are not in the same physical classroom location but collaborate through online conferencing, discussion boards and other technology-based communication tools. Distance learning degree programs provide yet another design where students work remotely but come together several times during the year.

Cohort Benefits and Advantage

Clearly the enhancement and development of a rich learning experience is the number one benefit of the graduate cohort design. In smaller groups, students who might not otherwise contribute freely are more likely to do so. Likewise, small group discourse yields an exchange of diverse ideas not normally seen in a traditional classroom setting. This small group discourse typically creates a dynamic environment where creativity flourishes. The camaraderie that results leads to students having greater confidence in their learning and an environment where they actually coach and educate one another.

Cohort Disadvantages

Interestingly, some studies show that faculty members are uncomfortable with the confidence exhibited by cohort groups. With their strength in numbers, students are more likely to be vocal in criticizing materials, course design and faculty participation. Also, some students may feel “stuck” in a group where they may not mesh with one or more members of the cohort.

Relationship Issues in Graduate School Cohorts

As in any situation where people are together for a long time, the effectiveness of a cohort group depends on how well the students manage their relationships. Conflict resolution skills are imperative, as is the desire to work productively as a team. In some ways, using the cohort model in graduate school is risky because each cohort group has its own unique mix of personalities. Sometimes this mix can result in a negative learning situation. When this happens, students often call in the administration to help resolve the issue, which could very well mean dissolving the cohort completely. However, in most cases, group members strive to resolve their own issues and craft a nurturing, supportive team.

Despite its downsides, the Graduate School Cohort model is growing rapidly as educators in colleges and universities discover that graduate students do significantly better when they actively construct their own learning as opposed to being receptacles in a traditional classroom setting.