Why the completion rate for online courses are so low

While online courses can offer numerous benefits for learners, they may not always provide the impactful outcomes that you desire.

The unfortunate reality is that the completion rates for online courses are very low. Various research has the percentage rate for completion of online courses between 5 and 15 percent, with research from?Research Gate ?putting Massive Open Online Courses at 3 to 6 percent. Because people are not completing their self-paced online courses, they are not getting the full impact of the learning.

There are several reasons why the completion rate of self-paced online courses might be so low including:

Lack of structure: One possible reason for low completion rates is that self-paced online courses can lack structure. Without a set schedule or timeline, it can be easy for individuals to become distracted or lose motivation, which can make it more difficult for them to stay on track and make progress. This lack of structure can be especially challenging for those who need a more disciplined and structured approach to succeed.

Limited interaction and support: Another reason for low completion rates of self-paced online courses is that they may offer limited interaction and support for learners. Without the opportunity for regular in-person or online interactions with instructors or other students, individuals may feel isolated and may not have access to the same level of support and guidance as they would in a one-on-one or group coaching program. Limited interaction also means that there is limited opportunities for feedback. Without regular check-ins or assessments, it can be difficult for individuals to gauge their progress. This can make it more challenging for learners to identify areas of strength and weakness, and may make it harder for them to make progress.

Limited accountability: Self-paced online courses offer limited accountability. Without the structured support of a coach (or an accountability group), it can be easy for individuals to fall behind or lose motivation. This lack of accountability can make it more challenging for learners to stay on track and achieve their goals.

With a lack of structure, limited interaction and support, and limited accountability the challenges of daily life and the many distractions can all impact on the completion of the course. Between work, family, and other obligations, it can be difficult for individuals to find the time and energy to focus on their online training. And, with social media, streaming services, and an endless stream of notifications vying for our attention, it can be difficult for individuals to focus on their coursework. And let's not even get started on the allure of a good old-fashioned Netflix binge.

So, what’s the solution?

The solution is to look at opportunities to provide more structure, more interaction and support, and higher levels of accountability, such as what can be delivered through a cohort-based program. One benefit of cohort-based programs is that they can deliver more impactful results compared to other types of learning programs.

A cohort-based program (where individuals move through a structured program) can deliver better outcomes for participants due to its sense of community, opportunities for interaction and collaboration, personalised coaching, and long-term support. These factors can help participants feel more connected, motivated, and supported as they work towards their goals, which can increase their chances of success. And as a result,?higher completion rates, with the completion rate of cohort based courses getting up to 85% .

If you're looking at creating an online learning experience that delivers more impactful outcomes, a cohort-based program may be the right choice for you.