{"id":4745,"date":"2023-03-21T23:59:11","date_gmt":"2023-03-21T23:59:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novoed.com\/2023\/03\/cohort-based-learning-for-onboarding-practice-and-application\/"},"modified":"2025-11-18T11:39:55","modified_gmt":"2025-11-18T18:39:55","slug":"cohort-based-learning-for-onboarding-practice-and-application","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novoed.com\/2023\/03\/cohort-based-learning-for-onboarding-practice-and-application\/","title":{"rendered":"Cohort-Based Learning: An Onboarding Program with Practice &amp; Application"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div style=\"height:85px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-key-takeaways\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Onboarding is most effective when rich with practice and real-world application, not just passive content.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Social, collaborative and immersive activities (video intros, peer shadowing, reflections) build connection to role, team and culture early.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A cohort-based learning platform supports meaningful engagement from day one by aligning content, teams, mentors and feedback loops.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A rich, engaging, and effective onboarding experience requires an intentional approach that moves well beyond checklists, rote tasks, and generic information dumps. Modern onboarding programs not only teach a new employee the basics, they foster connection, collaboration, and community through holistic, highly interactive, and immersive periods of engagement that start on (or even before) a worker\u2019s very first day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In an ongoing series, we will explore onboarding initiatives centered around the six key pillars of learning on NovoEd: Practice &amp; Application, <a href=\"https:\/\/novoed.com\/resources\/blog\/cohort-based-learning-for-onboarding-discussion-and-feedback\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Discussion &amp; Feedback<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/novoed.com\/resources\/blog\/cohort-based-learning-for-onboarding-mentors-and-managers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mentors &amp; Managers<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/novoed.com\/resources\/blog\/cohort-based-learning-for-onboarding-effective-facilitation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Effective Facilitation<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/novoed.com\/resources\/blog\/cohort-based-learning-for-onboarding-team-based-learning\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Team-Based Learning<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/novoed.com\/resources\/blog\/cohort-based-learning-for-onboarding-curated-and-goal-aligned-content\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Curated &amp; Goal-Aligned Content<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We\u2019ll start with the Practice &amp; Application pillar, a cornerstone of <a href=\"https:\/\/novoed.com\/learning-platform\/overview\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cohort-based learning<\/a> and an essential component of NovoEd\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/novoed.com\/learning-platform\/collaborative-learning\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">collaborative learning platform<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"NovoEd: Practice and Application\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Cdj5_e-klvw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-practice-amp-application-help-new-employees-connect-to-their-organization\"><strong>How Practice &amp; Application Help New Employees Connect to Their Organization<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p><em>Practice is the act of improving performance through applying new knowledge to a mindset or behavior intentionally.<\/em><br><em>Application makes practice meaningful. It is the transfer of new knowledge into authentic, real-world situations.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the heart and center of impactful learning are <a href=\"https:\/\/help.novoed.com\/hc\/en-us\/articles\/360058262411\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">practice &amp; application<\/a>. With opportunities for practice &amp; application, professionals are more likely to develop deep learning and long-term retention of skills and knowledge, including the breadth of information a new employee garners in their first several months of joining an organization. <strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Learning activities that change mindsets and behaviors close the gap between online learning and on-the-job performance. When learners are engaged with opportunities to learn in the context of work through individual and team projects that can include <a href=\"https:\/\/novoed.com\/learning-platform\/video-practice\/\">video practice<\/a>, role play, presentations, and more collaborative learning activities, opportunities for <a href=\"https:\/\/help.novoed.com\/hc\/en-us\/articles\/360058262411\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">practice &amp; application<\/a> of newly acquired knowledge and skills become abundant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The opportunity to engage with content beyond the initial exposure is a key benefit of practice in a learning environment. Learning happens at a deeper level when the concept is practiced and explored with revision and exposure to other colleagues\u2019 work. Application is the process for that practice to occur and serves to confirm the mastery of a topic\/subject within the learning environment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Cdj5_e-klvw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Practice &amp; application<\/a> turn learning into real, relevant, and resonant learning experiences that help an employee feel connected to their roles, colleagues, and organizations from the start. Social and collaborative learning platforms offer organizations the ability to structure a comprehensive, multilayered <a href=\"https:\/\/novoed.com\/use-cases\/employee-onboarding\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">virtual onboarding <\/a>experience that incorporates elements of in-person onboarding, such as coaching; <a href=\"https:\/\/novoed.com\/resources\/blog\/virtual-onboarding-creating-inclusive-environments-for-new-employees-in-a-remote-and-hybrid-world\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">peer-to-peer practice<\/a>; team experiences; engagement with mentors, managers, and business leaders; learning in the context of work; <a href=\"https:\/\/novoed.com\/resources\/blog\/optimizing-online-feedback\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">formal and informal feedback<\/a>; and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">NovoEd analyzed and compiled years of experience with best-in-class programs into a format you can quickly reference as you design your learning experiences. Take these ideas and best practices to incorporate into your current programs or use as inspiration for new activities, new ways to engage your audience with learning, or as an alternative to traditional methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ideas-for-onboarding-program-activities-that-effectively-incorporate-practice-amp-application\"><strong>Ideas for Onboarding Program Activities That Effectively Incorporate Practice &amp; Application<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><a href=\"https:\/\/novoed.com\/resources\/insights\/virtual-onboarding-with-a-human-touch-creating-connection-culture-and-community\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"371\" src=\"https:\/\/novoed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/BH-Onboarding_graphic-1024x371.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Onboarding Program\" srcset=\"https:\/\/novoed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/BH-Onboarding_graphic-1024x371.png 1024w, https:\/\/novoed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/BH-Onboarding_graphic-300x109.png 300w, https:\/\/novoed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/BH-Onboarding_graphic-768x278.png 768w, https:\/\/novoed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/BH-Onboarding_graphic-400x145.png 400w, https:\/\/novoed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/BH-Onboarding_graphic-200x73.png 200w, https:\/\/novoed.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/BH-Onboarding_graphic.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>NovoEd profile completion activity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An \u201cIntroduce Yourself\u201d activity (with images, stories, PowerPoint, video, etc.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Scavenger hunt for resources<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do a sales pitch of the company vision (\u201cElevator Pitch\u201d)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Start a conversation with people in your role or on a different team (\u201cCoffee Chat\u201d)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reflect on what you learned during your Coffee Chat<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In-video quizzes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Record a video for the next cohort of new employees (\u201cWhat I Wish I Knew\u201d)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Meet with supervisor\/teammates for how to plan your career \u2014 and report back<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shadow a peer\u2019s project and reflect on what you learned<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Create a glossary of role- or company-specific terms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make a connection to a core company value and a incorporate a photo of how it manifests<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Describe what other departments do<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Describe how your role interacts with other units or departments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Take a picture of your work-from-home space<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Interview your manager<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To learn how NovoEd\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/novoed.com\/learning-platform\/cohort-based-learning\/\">cohort-based learning platform<\/a> powers meaningful employee onboarding for today\u2019s organizations, <a href=\"https:\/\/novoed.com\/request-a-demo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">request a demo<\/a> today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4>Related Searches<\/h4>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/novoed.com\/resources\/blog\/cohort-based-learning-for-onboarding-discussion-and-feedback\/\">Discussion And Feedback In Cohort-Based Learning<\/a>,\n<a href=\"https:\/\/novoed.com\/resources\/blog\/cohort-based-learning-for-onboarding-mentors-and-managers\/\">Cohort-Based Learning Platform For Onboarding Mentors<\/a>\n\n\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"VideoObject\",\"description\":\"This 1-minute video explores how NovoEd supports practice and application, and learners can apply their new knowledge to real-world experiences\",\"duration\":\"PT60S\",\"embedUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Cdj5_e-klvw\",\"name\":\"NovoEd: Practice and Application\",\"thumbnailUrl\":[\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/Cdj5_e-klvw\/maxresdefault.jpg?sqp=-oaymwEmCIAKENAF8quKqQMa8AEB-AHUBoAC4AOKAgwIABABGGUgZShlMA8=&rs=AOn4CLDN1ErzGkIsRbFnQyPtH-GH6sXgog\"],\"uploadDate\":\"2021-07-30\",\"genre\":\"Education\",\"author\":\"NovoEd\"}<\/script><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In an ongoing series, we will explore onboarding initiatives centered around the six key pillars of learning on NovoEd: Practice &#038; Application, Discussion &#038; Feedback, Mentors &#038; Managers, Effective Facilitation, Team-Based Learning, and Curated &#038; Goal-Aligned Content.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":4749,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[189,190],"class_list":["post-4745","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-cohort-learning","tag-practice-and-application"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/novoed.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4745","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/novoed.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/novoed.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novoed.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novoed.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4745"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/novoed.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4745\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10484,"href":"https:\/\/novoed.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4745\/revisions\/10484"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novoed.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4749"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/novoed.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4745"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novoed.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4745"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novoed.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4745"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}