Cohort-based courses: Why they work—and how to launch yours
It’s easy to sign up for an online course—but actually completing it? That’s the hard part.
Without structure, accountability, and real-time interaction with instructors and peers, staying engaged in the course can be a real challenge.
Enter: cohort-based courses. With live sessions, built-in community, and shared milestones, you’re not just consuming information—you’re actively applying it alongside others.
Unlike self-paced programs, the real value of a CBC comes from the connections and interactions students have with each other. Instead of learning alone, they get to learn alongside their peers. And when you choose the right platform for your CBC, you’re able to foster deeper engagement, promote collaboration, and create a more dynamic learning experience—all in one place.
In this post, we’ll explore:
- Why CBCs are so effective
- What it takes to launch one
- How to choose the right platform
What is cohort-based learning?
Cohort-based learning is when a group of learners (called a cohort) move through an online course curriculum together.
The course instructor guides the lessons, encourages discussions among students, and provides real-time feedback to students. For the students, this creates a much more engaging course experience. And for the instructor, it creates a tight feedback loop—allowing them to keep improving the course with every round.
The result? A stronger learning experience and higher course completion rates.
Just look at the numbers: Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have a 90% dropout rate, while cohort-based courses have a 90% completion rate. Engagement and interaction make all the difference.
Cohort-based courses don’t have to be entirely live, however—what’s most important is building a sense of community. So, instead of asking students to complete the course content on their own, you might encourage them to tackle lessons on a shared schedule, discuss course content with one another, and find accountability buddies within the group.
Because collaborating on projects, having live discussions, and tackling challenges as a group is the sort of social support many need to achieve their learning goals.
🧑🏫Wild success with cohorts: Pat Flynn runs 8+ live, cohort-based accelerators (courses) per year in his premium Smart Passive Income membership–all on Circle. His most recent cohorts achieve 3x the average online course completion rate of 5-15%.
Cohort-based learning vs. self-paced learning
Unlike self-paced courses, CBCs bring students together in a structured, interactive environment that emphasizes the impact of social learning:
- Cohort-based courses (CBCs): Group-focused learning with live sessions, collaborative tasks, and shared progress. Learners move through the course together.
- Self-paced learning: A flexible approach where learners move through pre-recorded materials on their own schedule and at their own pace. Most self-paced learning courses provide no interaction with instructors or peers.
- Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs): A specific type of self-paced learning program designed for large audiences. They’re often free or low-cost. MOOCs typically follow a standardized curriculum with pre-recorded lectures, readings, and quizzes but rarely offer personalized support, leading to high dropout rates ( over 90%! ).
What is an example of a cohort program?
Tiago Forte’s cohort-based course The Annual Review is a comprehensive self-reflection and planning program designed to help participants thoughtfully close out their year and create an intentional roadmap for the year ahead. The program guides participants through a structured curriculum that combines personal reflection, goal-setting, and practical planning, all while connecting with a supportive community of like-minded individuals.
Available in three tiers—Self-Paced ($499), Essential ($1,994), and 1:1 Coaching Edition ($5,000)—the program includes live and recorded sessions, an active online community on Circle, Tiago's Ultimate Annual Review Template, monthly check-in templates, and quarterly community calls. The self-paced edition offers flexibility while maintaining the program's core benefits, allowing participants to work through the material on their own schedule while still engaging with the community and receiving lifetime access to all resources.
Why cohort-based courses work
The magic of CBCs is that they leverage the power of social learning to keep students engaged and accountable. Think back to those late-night study sessions in college, when you and your friends crammed for exams together—that’s social accountability in action.
The collective momentum of moving forward as a group ensures that everyone stays committed. Research shows that group learning that includes active learning (discussions and assignments) boosts learner engagement and comprehension.
It’s like a study group—when you're surrounded by friends all working toward the same goal, learning feels more motivating, fun, and achievable.
"Only 5 to 15% of people who start a paid online course will actually finish it. And it should be no surprise that as community-powered components are added to a course, that percentage goes up. 📈
Over the past year, I’ve planned and facilitated 12 different cohorts in my community using courses, and I’ve made adjustments with each one based on observations and student data. The latest cohort had a 37% finish rate (~triple the average)–and it was asynchronous. 🎉
More students reaching goals ➡️ happy, fulfilled students ➡️ low churn"
- Ashley Gore, Community Experience Manager at Smart Passive Income (SPI)
Benefits of cohort classes for learners
CBCs offer unique advantages for learners, blending community and structure to create a powerful learning environment.
Here’s how CBCs benefit learners:
- Active learning: Learners are encouraged to participate in discussions, lessons, and homework. This helps them remember and use what they learn.
- Real-time feedback: Learners have the opportunity to talk with instructors and peers, which leads to better understanding.
- Networking: CBCs connect learners with others who are interested in the same things. And shared goals mean new friends and new mentors!
- Set deadlines: Thoughtful deadlines add just the right amount of pressure to keep participants on track—because let’s be real, if there’s no due date, “I’ll get to it later” can easily turn into “never.”
- Teamwork on problems: Tackling problems with peers helps learners retain information and shows them new perspectives. Sometimes, the solution that never crossed your mind is the one your classmate thought of immediately.
- Access to instructors: Learners can ask questions and gain personal insights because while learning from the best is great, getting direct answers to your ultra-specific questions is even better.
Benefits of cohort classes for instructors
CBCs allow instructors to build a better course experience and more intentional relationships with their students. This leads to better referrals and even more course sign-ups in the long run.
Let’s break it down. Here’s how CBCs benefit instructors:
- Better learner results: When participants interact with peers and ask questions, they retain information better. This interactive approach also boosts course completion rates.
- Adaptable courses: Instant feedback from learners allows educators to improve their courses in real time. This leads to more engaging, effective, and tailored learning experiences that better meet students' needs.
- Stronger bonds with participants: Leading lessons or discussions live and engaging directly with learners builds trust and loyalty. Your course isn’t just another online program—it’s a community that starts with you.
- Referrals: Happy students who feel connected to their peers and instructor become your best marketing. When they love the experience, they spread the word and bring in new participants without the need for extra marketing.
- Steady income: No more feast-or-famine course launches. With structured cohorts and scheduled enrollments, CBCs create consistent revenue—so you’re not riding the high of a record-breaking month just to hear crickets the next.
Learn more about how to sustainably monetize your community business (including courses).
How to design a cohort-based course
Here’s a simple guide to help you get going:
1. Know your audience
The first thing you need to do is understand who your learners are:
- What do they need to learn?
- What do they want to achieve?
- What unique knowledge can you offer to help them?
A deep understanding of these questions ensures your course provides real value—and when it does, your learners will notice. The key is to share your knowledge with the right learners. Once you can match your unique knowledge with your learners’ struggles and desires, you’re on the path to creating something that resonates deeply and delivers value.
Amy Porterfield, an online marketing expert who has built a $100M business, exemplifies this strategy. Her success isn’t built on chasing trends but on refining one great offer—her Digital Course Academy—over years of iteration. Whether you’re launching your first course or fine-tuning an existing one, Porterfield’s success proves that understanding your audience and leveraging your own strengths is the foundation of every great course.
2. Outline your course
Uncertainty around how to structure your course is a common roadblock, but breaking it down into manageable sections can help. Start by outlining key topics, then pair each with clear learning objectives. After that, you can brainstorm ways to support those learning objectives—whether that’s through an interactive live session, a self-paced resource, or something else.
Here’s an example of how a gardening expert may start breaking out a course for gardening at home:
3. Set success metrics
To ensure your course delivers value, you’ll want to define how you’ll measure success. You might consider measuring metrics like,
- course completion rates
- live session attendance rates, or even
- weekly homework or assignment submissions.
Keeping an eye on these metrics and searching for patterns can help you make adjustments and improvements to your course as you go.
4. Test before you launch
Running a pilot or ‘beta’ cohort with a small group (as low as 3 for smaller communities) can give you an opportunity to validate your course ahead of launch. It allows you to gather honest feedback on the course content and experience, so you can tweak things before putting it in front of a larger audience.
5. Create a welcoming onboarding experience
The first day sets the tone for the entire course, and a strong kickoff can make all the difference when it comes to engagement. A live onboarding session helps learners connect with one another, get excited, and feel prepared for what’s ahead. But great onboarding isn’t just about a single event—it’s about setting up students for success from day one.
In a recent Show & Tell, Cally Booker, founder of Weaving Space, shares how she welcomes new students with an in-depth video tour and keeps key resources front and center. That way, participants experience a seamless onboarding and know exactly how to engage.
To set your own cohort up for success, be sure to provide participants with all the resources they need before the course officially kicks off. Encourage them to log into your platform early, explore the interface, and check out any welcome materials—just like Cally does. That way, when they show up on day one, they’ll be ready to dive in!
6. Facilitate active learning
Keeping live sessions engaging can be tough, but interactive methods like polls and breakout groups can help. Balance your live sessions with resources that participants can access anytime, like videos, guides, and lesson summaries.
Tools like Circle can make managing multiple learners and interactions easier, with the ability to create:
- Spaces for discussion and support
- An easy-to-manage event calendar where students can RSVP to live sessions
- Live streams and live rooms to host course sessions, office hours, and more
- Resource and content libraries to easily share course materials
- Drip functionality within courses to keep students on the same schedule
Expert course-building tips from Circle Experts
In this 60-minute expert masterclass, Jordan Godbey and Tom Ross answer anything and everything about community-powered courses.
7. Collect and act on feedback
After your course ends, don’t miss the opportunity to collect feedback from your students. Use surveys or talk to participants one-on-one to find out what worked and what didn’t. This will help you keep improving your course for future cohorts.
Check out the ultimate guide to creating a cohort program for more in-depth strategies on building your CBC on Circle.
Best practices for cohort-based courses
- Mix live and self-paced learning: Live sessions help learners connect with each other. Self-paced resources let them supplement live learning with individual reflection and exercises. Using both helps everyone learn in their own way.
- Add interactive activities: Try hands-on activities! Group problem-solving, live Q&As, and team projects can keep the energy up and learners involved.
- Keep sessions short and focused: Shorter sessions that include breaks and tactical projects afterwards help learners absorb more information.
- Foster relationships: Use icebreakers, group work, and partner projects. When participants feel connected, they’re more likely to stay engaged.
- Start with the right tech: You want a tool that simplifies communication, organizes discussions, and monitors student progress–all in one place. That way, you can focus on teaching instead of logistics.
Begin building your cohort-based course with Circle. Start your 14-day trial today.
How to choose the right cohort-based learning platform
The platform you choose can make or break your cohort-based course. It’s not just about hosting content—it’s about making sure you and your learners have a smooth, seamless experience. Imagine trying to run live discussions on a platform with glitches or having learners struggle to find course materials because of a confusing interface. A frustrating experience can lead to disengagement, missed lessons, and dropouts.
Here are the key questions to ask when looking for a cohort-based learning platform:
1. Does your platform support both live and asynchronous learning? If your course blends live sessions with on-demand content, you need a platform that excels at both. You want to be able to:
✅ Host interactive live lessons
✅ Share pre-recorded content in an accessible format
✅ Keep everything organized in one place
2. Does your platform allow for flexibility so you can adapt to each cohort's needs? A great learning experience isn’t one-size-fits-all. Flexibility ensures your course evolves with your participants. You want to be able to:
🔹 Adjust live session schedules based on learner availability
🔹 Create dedicated discussion areas for different topics
🔹 Offer additional resources for learners who need more support and guidance
🔹 Use polls and group messages to gather real-time feedback and make necessary adjustments
3. Does your platform have the right tools for active learning? Running live sessions can be daunting, but the right platform makes it easier and more interactive. You want tools for:
🎥 Seamless video hosting
💬 Chat and Q&A features to keep discussions flowing
📡 Live streaming for larger audiences
📱 Mobile accessibility so participants can join from anywhere
🔔 Push notifications and automated event reminders
📝 Automatic transcriptions and searchable recordings for easy review
Courses like Ali Abdaal’s Part-Time Youtuber Academy (PTYA) thrive on cohort-based learning. It’s been instrumental in PTYA’s explosive growth. Abdaal leverages Circle to foster dynamic learning environments that deliver immense value to him and his participants. By evolving PTYA from a simple online course into a high-ticket, exclusive community offering, he scaled its revenue from $400K to $1.9M per cohort—proving that the right platform can elevate both learner outcomes and business success.
In 2024 alone, Circle hosted over 32,000 course experiences, proving its capability to support scalable, successful CBCs. Start your 14-day free trial today.
Your platform isn’t just a tool—it’s a partner in delivering an exceptional learning experience. By choosing one that aligns with your goals and values, you’ll set yourself and your learners up for success.
