Communities of Practice
Overview
Adult learners can self-organize into groups called communities of practice to engage in longer-term examination of a topic to build deeper understanding. These can be in the context of workplace learning, in an educational setting, or can be informal communities that form around mutual interests. Community members can share expertise and resources with each other based on their differing Background Knowledge.
Use It In Your Learning Environment
Adults can form communities of practice or inquiry in person or in online spaces according to their interests, supporting Motivation. This informal model where learners engage with a relevant issue or practice may work well for learners outside of a traditional learning setting, while building Disciplinary Literacy and Social Awareness & Relationship Skills. Members can share what they know and learn from others, allowing roles for both experts and novices. Communities of practice can take the form of professional learning communities, book clubs, or other groups that meet regularly in service of a joint goal and lifelong learning of new skills, such as Digital Literacy. The success of this format may depend on the consistency of the membership, frequency of engagement, and quality of interaction between members.
Additional Resources
Additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.
Factors Supported by this Strategy
More Cooperative Learning Strategies
Beginning meetings with check-ins and maximizing opportunities for informal check-ins, whether live or online, can foster a sense of Belonging while building Social Supports.
Flexible grouping is a classroom practice that temporarily places learners' together in given groups to work together, with the purpose of achieving a given learning goal or activity.
Giving learners the opportunity to share their knowledge, skills, and understanding with others strengthens learning and increases Motivation while also building Social Supports.
Learning in social contexts has been shown to have significant effects on comprehension of material and retention of new information into Long-term Memory.
Bringing learners' everyday literacy practices such as text chats into instruction provides regular, low-stakes practice communicating with authentic audiences.
