{"id":4750,"date":"2023-03-29T23:11:57","date_gmt":"2023-03-29T23:11:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novoed.com\/2023\/03\/cohort-based-learning-for-onboarding-discussion-and-feedback\/"},"modified":"2026-03-04T15:43:08","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T22:43:08","slug":"cohort-based-learning-for-onboarding-discussion-and-feedback","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novoed.com\/2023\/03\/cohort-based-learning-for-onboarding-discussion-and-feedback\/","title":{"rendered":"How Discussion and Feedback in Cohort-Based Learning for Onboarding Drives New Employee Engagement"},"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 improves when it includes applied learning and social interaction, not just content delivery.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Peer collaboration, self-reflection, and real-world tasks strengthen early connection and confidence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cohort-based formats turn onboarding into a shared, aligned, and purpose-driven experience.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Think back to your first day at your company: In the best case scenario, connections are forged, perspectives are shared, and productive growth kicks off. The foundation that equips every new team member for value creation in their role, <a href=\"https:\/\/novoed.com\/use-cases\/employee-onboarding\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">employee onboarding<\/a> sets the stage for a critical pattern of engagement and long-term contribution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A rich, engaging, and effective employee 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: <a href=\"https:\/\/novoed.com\/resources\/blog\/cohort-based-learning-for-onboarding-practice-and-application\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Practice &amp; Application<\/a>, Discussion &amp; Feedback, <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 continue with the Discussion &amp; Feedback 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: Discussion and Feedback\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/cnQzHiXyjSc?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-discussion-amp-feedback-drive-new-employee-engagement\"><strong>How Discussion &amp; Feedback Drive New Employee Engagement<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p><a href=\"https:\/\/help.novoed.com\/hc\/en-us\/articles\/360058261471\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Discussions<\/em><\/a><em> convene groups of learners and experts around specific topics to clarify\/confirm understanding, solve problems, come up with new ideas, or generate approaches to issues of common concern.<\/em><br><a href=\"https:\/\/help.novoed.com\/hc\/en-us\/articles\/360058262131\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Feedback<\/em><\/a><em> closes the gap between performance and goals. Feedback is the exchange of information that leads to an increase in performance and knowledge retention.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In a collaborative online learning setting, discussions create spaces for colleagues to connect, collaborate, reach out for help, reflect on their experiences, and support one another. NovoEd allows for both informal, naturally-sparked discussions as well as intentional discussion activities that can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Deepen the learner\u2019s understanding of the material<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Encourage the practice of reflection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strengthen shared mindsets and reinforce changes in behaviors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Empower individuals to contribute ideas, insights, and expertise<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Broaden perspectives that might otherwise have been limited to individual experiences<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Engage introverted learners who might be inhibited within in-person learning environments&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Discussions provide richer learning experiences that can connect learners across departments, time zones, and experiences. Complex topics lend themselves easily to a discussion, as learners benefit from increased community participation and peer-to-peer interaction in these cases. Building a community with robust discussions helps spur engagement and increase communication.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Feedback is one of the best ways for learners to grow, and is a key valued-added component to integrate in a learning experience. Evaluation is important in an online learning environment because it allows the learner to assess their progress and determine improvements they can make moving forward. Meaningful feedback can be critical to a learners\u2019 success as it promotes a type of self-reflection that can increase knowledge retention. Learners providing feedback to each other (peer feedback) can lead to constructive discussions that engage them and may expose them to ideas or perspectives they hadn\u2019t considered before.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">NovoEd provides several tools for incorporating feedback, whether formal or informal, public or private, instructor-to-learner or peer-to-peer. Peer feedback happens when a course encourages or requires learners to comment on their colleagues\u2019 posts and assignment submissions. Even informal feedback such as comments on submissions can lead to higher course completion rates and higher engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ideas-for-onboarding-program-activities-that-effectively-incorporate-discussion-amp-feedback\"><strong>Ideas for Onboarding Program Activities That Effectively Incorporate Discussion &amp; Feedback<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><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>Post questions prior to live events (for subject matter experts to answer during the live session)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tag other members of your team to continue conversations with them<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Feedback on identity sharing\/\u201dIntroduce Yourself\u201d activity to determine similarities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Talk about shared interests with an affinity group<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have a conversation with a manager\/colleague and report back to the community<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Share what is your role in achieving departmental and company goals (and get feedback from managers)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To learn how NovoEd\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/novoed.com\/resources\/blog\/what-cohort-based-learning-means-to-your-organization\/\">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<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"VideoObject\",\"description\":\"In this 1-minute video, discover how NovoEd promotes discussion between learners, as well as personalized feedback and shared perspectives.\",\"duration\":\"PT60S\",\"embedUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/cnQzHiXyjSc\",\"name\":\"NovoEd: Discussion and Feedback\",\"thumbnailUrl\":[\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/cnQzHiXyjSc\/maxresdefault.jpg\"],\"uploadDate\":\"2021-07-30\",\"genre\":\"Education\",\"author\":\"NovoEd\"}<\/script><\/p>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-related-searches\">Related Searches<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/novoed.com\/learning-platform\/cohort-based-learning\/\">Cohort-Based Learning Platform<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/novoed.com\/resources\/webinars\/a-conversation-about-the-pros-and-cons-of-cohort-facilitation-approaches-product-tour-tuesdays\/\">Corporate Learning Experience<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/novoed.com\/resources\/insights\/benefits-of-a-cohort-based-learning-platform-infographic\/\">Benefits of Cohort Learning<\/a><\/p>\n","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":4751,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[189,191,119],"class_list":["post-4750","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-cohort-learning","tag-discussion-and-feedback","tag-onboarding"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/novoed.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4750","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=4750"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/novoed.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4750\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10871,"href":"https:\/\/novoed.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4750\/revisions\/10871"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novoed.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4751"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/novoed.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4750"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novoed.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4750"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novoed.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4750"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}