Learners Guild Oakland: A Retrospective on an Innovative Learning Collective
Learners Guild was a unique educational experiment in Oakland, CA, aimed at transforming software development training. This article explores its history, learning model, and the experiences of those who participated in this now-closed institution.
Introduction
Learners Guild operated as a 10-month, full-time full-stack web development learning collective with no upfront tuition cost. It distinguished itself through its commitment to a creative learning environment rooted in the principles of cognitive apprenticeship. The school is now closed, but historical information and Learners Guild alumni reviews remain available.
The Learners Guild Model: Cognitive Apprenticeship in Action
The core of Learners Guild's approach was learning by doing. Nearly all learning took place in team projects, mirroring the collaborative nature of real-world software development. This meant a departure from traditional classroom settings; there were no teachers dictating a curriculum. Instead, the learning system was designed to empower students to choose projects and goals that were both personally relevant and appropriately challenging, pushing them into their "Proximal Zone of Development."
A new cohort joined Learners Guild every 10 weeks, creating a dynamic environment with a wide range of skills and experience levels. Students were encouraged to leverage this diversity to their advantage.
Alumni Perspectives: A Mixed Bag of Experiences
Reviews from Learners Guild alumni on Course Report reveal a spectrum of experiences. While the school garnered an overall experience rating of 1.85 out of 5 based on 13 reviews, individual accounts offer more nuanced perspectives.
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Some students expressed disappointment. One reviewer felt that the program scaled too quickly and lacked a clear sense of direction. Another wished the reviews had been available before they started the program, stating that the school was well-intentioned but lacked the experience or model for LG to be successful. They felt there was no formalized instruction and that the tasks were ill-conceived.
However, other students found value in the program. One student reflected that their 4 weeks at Learners Guild taught them close to as much as they thought they could have learned in any other system. They highlighted the Guild's focus on coding, teamwork, organizational finesse, social-impact assessment, and continuous learning amidst rapidly changing technologies. This student also appreciated the Guild's experimental nature and felt respected as a colleague, even as a member of an underrepresented minority in IT.
Challenges and Criticisms
Several recurring themes emerge from the reviews. Some students felt that the learning model shifted too frequently, leading to instability. Others criticized the lack of technical support and the quality of the curriculum.
One reviewer described the environment as toxic, alleging that Learners Guild was nothing more than a huge scam, with a change in the learning model every ten weeks. They also criticized the contract, which required students to pay up to 21% of their salary for three years if they make over $50k a year.
Another reviewer cautioned potential students to not be fooled by the rhetoric preached by the staff (nontechnical and founder). They stated the Learners Guild was an extremely discombobulated place to learn and that the curriculum was in need of a major over hall.
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The Broader Context of Coding Bootcamps
Learners Guild existed within the broader context of the coding bootcamp industry, which has experienced significant growth and evolution. Coding bootcamps have emerged as an alternative to traditional computer science education, offering accelerated training programs focused on practical skills.
In June 2018, a significant trend in the coding bootcamp industry was coding bootcamps funneling grads into apprenticeships. Bootcamps were adapting their models to better fit their communities, including tweaking the bootcamp model to fit their communities.
Lessons Learned
Learners Guild's story offers valuable lessons for aspiring software developers and those interested in alternative education models. The importance of a well-defined curriculum, adequate technical support, and a stable learning environment cannot be overstated.
The school's emphasis on cognitive apprenticeship and project-based learning highlights the potential of hands-on, collaborative approaches to skills development. However, it also underscores the need for careful planning, experienced instructors, and a supportive community to ensure student success.
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tags: #Learning #Guild #Oakland #history
