Cohort Institute Launches Study to Analyze Team Experiences in University Courses

Cohort Institute Launches Study on Team Formation Software

Cohort Institute has recently introduced an independent research project aimed at assessing how student team dynamics are affected by the incorporation of their team formation software in university courses. This study is designed to compare experiences before and after the implementation of their software, with findings expected to be published in 2027.

Overview of the Study

The initiative will take place at a public university, exploring student experiences in specific courses across two consecutive semesters: Fall 2026 and Spring 2027. The independent study will be managed by Dr. Muhammad Hasan Ashraf, an assistant professor specializing in supply chain management. In addition to academic oversight, funding for the research has been secured through Zaldivar Labs, a company co-founded by Eddie Zaldivar, a partner at Cohort Institute.

Cohort Institute's approach employs a brief survey to identify students' preference for teamwork roles and their availability, utilizing the results to strategically compose project teams. Once the teams are formed based on this data, each student receives a designated classification, such as Team Lead or Quality Assurance Lead, aimed at providing clarity and accountability within the group.

Structure of the Research

During the Fall 2026 semester, ten sections of participating courses will proceed to form teams using traditional methods, without the aid of Cohort's software. Subsequently, students will complete a research survey that gauges their experiences regarding teamwork within these courses.

The following Spring semester will witness the same courses and instructors adopting Cohort's software for team formation. Students will again be required to complete an experience survey, which differs from the initial intake survey used by the software. Dr. Ashraf will then analyze the responses from both semesters, providing a comparative assessment of how the new structured approach influences student experiences despite involving different student cohorts in each semester.

Purpose Behind the Research

Dr. Ashraf states, "We are particularly interested in how students report their experiences within teams when a structured approach is introduced. The comparison aims to highlight the transformations in diverse aspects of team dynamics once a systematic method is employed."

Zaldivar emphasized the importance of understanding team formation by stating, "The methodology behind forming teams is crucial and deserves further exploration. By inviting external researchers to conduct a comprehensive study, we are opening ourselves to insight that could drive improvements in our software."

Dr. Jessica Robinson, co-founder of Cohort Institute and a professor in supply chain management, commented on the need for clarity in group assignments. She stresses, "Faculty invest substantial thought into how they design group assignments, yet it is essential for students to possess a clear understanding of their roles within the team. This study allows us to examine student experiences more thoroughly."

Accessibility for Faculty

During its beta phase, Cohort is being offered free of charge to approved faculty members from participating universities. Educators interested in utilizing the platform for Spring 2027 can apply through the official Cohort Institute website.

Conclusion

As Cohort Institute embarks on this important research initiative, the insights gained are expected to inform enhancements to their software and contribute to the broader academic discourse on effective team dynamics. This study not only seeks to advance scholarly understanding but also offers practical benefits to educators and students alike.

For more details, please visit Cohort Institute.