Cohort-based social learning

The Australian Public Service Academy is using cohort-based social learning to put the APS Learning and Development Strategy and Continuous Learning Model front and centre in the APS Graduate Development and APS Leadership Edge programs.

In cohort-based social learning, participants engage in a program alongside a group of peers, sharing knowledge and work experiences with others and fostering strong connections. Cohorts comprise up to 50 learners from a wide range of APS agencies learning with and from each other.

The APS Graduate Development Program was redesigned and expanded earlier in 2023, using the cohort-based social learning model. The program supports new graduate employees to develop foundational skills, behaviours, mindsets and networks that will assist them throughout their APS career.

The program includes a series of events, boot camps and collaborative projects to facilitate peer-to-peer learning (Figure 4.2). In the workplace, graduates rotate to different roles and have access to coaching sessions.

Figure 4.2: The Graduate Expedition

A graphic representation of the graduate journey beginning in February 2023 and ending in November 2023. Stages include 3 learning boot camps, followed by opportunities to learn, reflect, and deep dive into case studies.

Image: Cahoot Learning

APS Leadership Edge is a program designed for Executive Level 2 employees to further develop leadership and management skills. It comprises independent online and real-time cohort activities, providing opportunities to embed learnings through practical application and to expand professional networks across the APS. Over 7 months, 4 courses of 3 to 5 hours are delivered in 2-week periods. In between courses, participants are encouraged to embed their learning in their work practices through activities and weekly check-ins.

Cohort-based social learning

See also

About the APSC

What we do

Using our website

Connect with us

Help us improve