1 - My Community of Practice

My Community of Practice

I belong to a variety of communities of practice as I teach in different areas of the school. My main community of practice who I interact daily with is the Year 7 team. This team is not just a community of people but is a community of practice as we meet together regularly, share resources and this community has a heavy influence on my teaching practice. 

‘Communities of practice are groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly.’ (Wenger & Wenger-Trayner, 2015)

In the Year 7 team our shared domain of interest is providing learning opportunities to promote success and allow students to reach their potential. There is a large focus on the holistic development of our students.

As a team, we meet once a week in a formal team meeting. In addition to this weekly meeting, there are many informal discussions daily and a wide sharing of resources. We are also encouraged to share our learning within the team, this occurs via email, share Google Drives and our school’s server.

In our team, we are all supportive of each other and always offer to lead a hand and share ideas. It is a great team that over the past year has faced some challenges which ultimately have made us stronger and closer. Within the team, there is always opportunities for people connect with conversation outside of the school focus and form a close relationship. It is very important in what can be a very stressful and busy job.

Modes of belonging:

• Engagement - this is a large part of who we are as a community of practice and team. We believe in collaboration and continue to develop forms to collaborate on. The sharing of resources and ideas happens on a daily level and there are conversations around these. As a team, we have a great balance between us and work as a successful team as problem solvers while everyone has a chance to participate. Personally, I am able to participate and share my ideas more than I was able to last year.  

• Imagination - we encourage our students to understand their place in the world but something adults don't do as well. At my school, the team understands the importance of this and does not let leadership roll over the top, in most cases. It is important for one to understanding how we all fit into one large puzzle to ensure the success of all. 

• Alignment - I really ensure my school due to this mode of belonging. I believe my personal philosophy and the school's philosophy are aligned and I have a clear understanding of what is expected of me. I am a firm believer that if you are not happy where you are then it is time to move on and consider a change. It is vital to work in a community that supports you is in align with what you believe in. 

My role within the community of practice is an active member. I am part of the Year 7 teaching team with five other teachers. We have a Dean and Learning Leader who support us but ultimately as the teachers that decide the final outcomes around student learning.

I am a vocal member and contribute in a range of discussions. I have always felt valued and accepted to share my ideas in discussions but with a years’ experience, I now feel I can make a difference. I contribute in many ways in my community of practice. I teach English, mathematics, and humanities as well as being able to comments on these areas I also feel I cam sympathise and at time empathise with the students as I am a past student at my current school. I can relate to some of the issues that they are facing and us as teachers need to managed. It is important that all members of a community of practice feel confident to share their ideas.

References

Wenger, E.(2000). Communities of practice and social learning systems. Organization,7(2), 225-246.

Wenger, E., McDermott, R., & Snyder, W. (2002). Cultivating Communities of Practice: A Guide to Managing Knowledge. Cambridge, MA: Harvard Business School Press.

Wenger, E., & Wenger-Trayner, B. (2015). Communities of Practice a brief introduction.   Retrieved from http://wenger-trayner.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/07-Brief-introduction-to-communities-of-practice.pdf