Creator Science #90: Wes Kao – Should you teach a cohort-based course?
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Feb 8, 2022 
Wes Kao, co-founder of Maven, shares her expertise in building engaging cohort-based courses. She discusses the evolution of online learning, emphasizing the advantages of CBCs, such as higher engagement and accountability. Wes explores creative strategies for course design and the importance of rigorous thinking in problem-solving. She also helps creators evaluate if a cohort-based model suits their content style, highlighting its scalability and community-building potential. Tune in for insights on crafting impactful educational experiences!
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Low MOOC Completion Rates
- Wes Kao's early work with Seth Godin involved creating a best-selling Udemy course.
- They found that MOOC completion rates were very low, prompting them to explore alternative teaching methods.
Rigorous vs. Lazy Thinking
- Use "rigorous thinking" to evaluate ideas, considering potential outcomes, trade-offs, and resources required.
- Avoid "lazy thinking," which assumes success without a clear plan or understanding of the necessary steps.
CBCs: High Scalability and Price
- Cohort-based courses (CBCs) offer both high scalability and high price points.
- This combination is rare in the creator economy and allows for significant revenue generation with a smaller, dedicated audience.
