"A community of practice (CoP) is a group of people who share an interest, a craft, and/or a profession. The group can evolve naturally because of the members' common interest in a particular domain or area, or it can be created specifically with the goal of gaining knowledge related to their field. It is through the process of sharing information and experiences with the group that the members learn from each other, and have an opportunity to develop themselves personally and professionally (Lave & Wenger 1991). CoPs can exist online, such as within discussion boards and newsgroups, or in real life, such as in a lunch room at work, in a field setting, on a factory floor, or elsewhere in the environment. While Lave and Wenger coined the term in the 1990s, this type of learning practice has existed for as long as people have been learning and sharing their experiences through storytelling." (Wikipedia)
Prior to leaving Vancouver I was involved with a BCODN (British Columbia Organizational Development Network) dialogue about starting a CoP. A group of 11 met at a community center one night and we participated in a self-directed workshop using 'Open Space' and explored topics such as our definition of a CoP, why would people participate, what format should we use, how can this be self-directed, how would we attract participants, etc..
Throughout the workshop it was really interesting to engage with other professionals in positive dialogue about contributing and stretching the knowledge base of professionals within the community. This practice is something that we naturally participate in during courses at university, but I think we lose when we head out into the working world.
CoP's are an important part of continuous learning. I am excited to have the opportunity to participate in them with my new organization. I feel that leveraging knowledge, either through sharing or learning, will always be a part of my professional development and I look forward to the conversations that are sure to ensue.
How are you contributing to the development of your field?
Prior to leaving Vancouver I was involved with a BCODN (British Columbia Organizational Development Network) dialogue about starting a CoP. A group of 11 met at a community center one night and we participated in a self-directed workshop using 'Open Space' and explored topics such as our definition of a CoP, why would people participate, what format should we use, how can this be self-directed, how would we attract participants, etc..
Throughout the workshop it was really interesting to engage with other professionals in positive dialogue about contributing and stretching the knowledge base of professionals within the community. This practice is something that we naturally participate in during courses at university, but I think we lose when we head out into the working world.
CoP's are an important part of continuous learning. I am excited to have the opportunity to participate in them with my new organization. I feel that leveraging knowledge, either through sharing or learning, will always be a part of my professional development and I look forward to the conversations that are sure to ensue.
How are you contributing to the development of your field?
