Classical Learning Cohort

Each cohort will have up to six Members and one Mentor.

Each cohort schedule varies. However, each cohort generally meets twice per month for a total of six meetings per semester.

Habits take time. Four semesters allow Members enough time to develop skills and form habits.

Like the Cycles in Foundations, Members can join in any semester and benefit fully from their participation.

Different semesters of content have different presentation schedules for members.
 
The Classical Way:
Members do not present lessons in the Classical Way. Instead, they are given activities to do with their children at home so that they can immediately begin using Christian Classical ideas.
 
Exordia, Comparison, and Assessment:
Members present lessons twice per semester.
 
Catechesis:
Members present one time and formally assess another member one time in Catechesis semester.

Members are not required to commit to all four semesters. We understand that circumstances change which may prevent Members from completing all four semesters consecutively. We do however require completion of all four semesters to be considered a Classical Learning Cohort graduate.

Because peer assessment is an important part of the program, live meeting attendance is a requirement. However, Mentors do their best to record cohort meetings. If needed, Members can watch a recording and provide a summary to the Mentor.

• High-speed internet
• Webcams (enabled webcams are required)
• Discourse Discussion Forum (our communications platform)
• Word, PowerPoint, or similar app

Members use a variety of methods to present lessons online. Some use a Word document with a drawing tool, some use PowerPoint, and others use similar applications. Members do not need to be an expert with technology, but they do need to be comfortable with screen sharing and applications like those mentioned above.

Members will attend live meetings online, provide live peer assessment, prepare and present up to two lessons per semester, and practice the Classical Learning Cohort skills in a Classical Conversations Community, at home, or in a leadership role. Practice is an important part of participating in the cohort.

Except for in the Classical Way cohort, Cohort Members present fifteen-minute lessons on some type of CC content.  Because Cohort Members direct or participate in various CC programs, the lesson concepts vary in complexity. Members do not need to be experts in any CC content but they do need to be comfortable with participating in conversations above their current experience level. Often, if a member will be presenting a lesson from the upper challenges, they will provide notes on the grammar of the lesson in our discussion forums in advance of the meeting. This helps members who have younger children to be able to participate in the lessons being presented comfortably. 

A Mentor is a Classical Learning Cohort graduate who uses Classical Conversations materials to lead cohort meetings. After graduation, a Mentor goes through additional training, a screening process, and an interview before being selected to join the mentor team.

A CLC retreat is a once-a-year optional event for CLC members. Members and Mentors gather together in a beautiful and restful setting to learn more about Classical Pedagogy. They also enjoy feasting and laughing together.