How did Mellor Financial Training Academy increase completion rates to a whopping 95%? Cohort-based online learning! 

This month’s featured customer is Mellor Financial Training Academy! Many skilled managers excel in their fields yet struggle to grasp key financial concepts, hindering effective decision making and strategic planning. Award-winning expert Martin Mellor excels in making finance training accessible, relatable, and enjoyable. But how could he translate his dynamic face-to-face sessions into an equally engaging online format? 

Partnering with Candle Digital and working with LearnDash

Martin approached LearnDash experts Candle Digital, specialists in translating unique educational content into compelling online experiences. Together, they chose LearnDash as their platform to help push the boundaries of traditional online learning.

They selected LearnDash for its versatility and ease of integration with other services to enhance the online learning experience.

The Innovation: Implementing Cohort-based Learning

Martin and Candle Digital identified a cohort-based delivery format for Martin’s online course. As Martin primarily delivers his training into organizations, they knew a cohort-based format would be the optimal approach. By learning as a group together, it helped Martin contextualize the core theory on the live workshops by bringing in relevant examples from the organization’s industry. Since participants are all from the same organization, learning together allows them to share their experiences, ideas, and how they have implemented what they have learned into their roles. It also helped foster stronger connections between the individuals too (another benefit for the organization!)

This approach meant learners could progress together, benefiting from both synchronous (live events like webinars) and asynchronous (self-paced, on-demand content) learning. This blend wasn’t just about delivering content. It was about creating a community of learners: interacting, sharing experiences, being accountable to each other, and applying new knowledge in real-life contexts.

After implementing cohort-based learning, the completion rate skyrocketed to 95%. Participants were visibly more engaged as they supported each other, and held each other accountable throughout the process. Having a set schedule for the studies also helped motivate and encourage participants to set time aside to study each week.

It also fostered a real sense of community. One cohort from an organization created an “alumni” group where they could check back in with one another and continue to share best practices after they completed the formal learning.

The Implementation: Building a Community with LearnDash

The key to this innovative approach was the use of LearnDash Groups, which formed the backbone of the cohort experience. LearnDash was complemented with the popular BuddyBoss plugin and theme and Cohort Manager to tailor the learning environment. 

This powerful combination unlocked features like:

1. Social Groups: Building communities and fostering collaboration

BuddyBoss enabled the social groups, providing functionality for the participants to comment and communicate with each other– within the LearnDash platform– throughout their course. 

Social groups are at the heart of the cohort experience. Through these, learners can interact with each other in a structured yet informal setting, akin to a virtual classroom. This feature encourages the formation of study groups, discussion forums, and peer support networks. It is more than just a space for learning. It becomes a community hub where experiences and insights are shared, fostering collaboration among learners from different professional backgrounds.

2. Live video workshops: Bridging the gap between virtual and classroom interaction

Live video workshops serve as the cornerstone of synchronous learning in Martin’s courses. These interactive sessions, held on Microsoft Teams or Zoom, enable learners to ask questions, engage in discussions, and participate in real-time activities. This direct interaction with Martin and peers helps in clarifying complex financial concepts, providing immediate feedback, and creating an engaging learning atmosphere. Live video workshops effectively bridge the gap between the flexibility of online learning and the immediacy of classroom interaction. Some delegates even brought along things they were working on to share with the group and validate understanding.

3. Group discussions: Keeping learners engaged and connected

Group discussions in the course, made possible by BuddyBoss, are designed to keep the learners engaged and invested in their learning journey. Comments and discussion prompts encourage learners to not just passively consume content but to actively engage with it, fostering deeper understanding. The ability to comment on course material provides opportunities for learners to share their thoughts and insights, creating a dynamic learning environment where each participant’s contribution enriches the collective learning experience.

The Outcome

Martin’s courses, now a blend of self-paced and live, interactive sessions, have been adopted across the UK and helped Martin deliver his training to large private sector and government organizations. The platform’s social learning aspect has not just educated but also connected learners, leading to deeper understanding and practical application of financial concepts.

Course success has been driven by:

• LearnDash: The foundation, providing the flexibility and power needed for online course delivery.
• BuddyBoss: Enhancing the social aspect of learning, making courses more engaging and interactive through social groups and group discussions.
• Cohort Manager for LearnDash: Ensuring smooth management and delivery of cohort-based learning, providing vital administrative features to manage each cohort within an organization (such as unlocking lessons on a specific schedule and including information that only a specific cohort can see within a course.)

Try these products today to create an engaging, interactive course!