GUIDING GROWTH: THE ROLE OF COMMUNITES OF PRACTICE IN PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
Building on the success of Communities of Practice: Leadership and Communities of Practice: Infant Educators, and Communities of Practice: Cooks and Dietary Planners, informed by the insights of our Community Animator, Strive is excited to introduce new opportunities this Fall to enrich the early learning community across London, Middlesex, Elgin, and Oxford counties with the launch of additional Communities of Practice (CoPs).
As we expand our CoPs, we are refining our approach and professional learning opportunities to align more closely with the authentic principles of CoPs. These communities will focus on fostering meaningful collaboration and nurturing growth within our community
Additional information about the upcoming CoPs will be provided at the end of this post.
What is a Community of Practice in the context of ECEC?
In Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC), a community of practice (CoP) refers to a group of professionals who collaborate to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices in early childhood development and education. This concept, originally developed by Wenger (1999) and Wenger et al. (2002), emphasizes the social aspect of learning and the importance of collective expertise in improving professional practice.
CoPs can take place in various formats:
In-person: Allowing members to connect face-to-face
Online: Enabling collaboration across borders and barriers
Hybrid: Which is a combination of both in-person and online interactions to maximize the benefits of each mode of engagement.
Key Characteristics of a Community of Practice in ECEC Include:
Shared Domain: Members of the community are united by their common interests in ECEC. This could include areas such as child development, strategies for play, inclusive practices, family engagement, nutrition, etc...
Community: There is a sense of belonging and mutual engagement among members. This community may include educators, caregivers, administrators, researchers, cooks/dietary planners, and policymakers involved in ECEC.
Practice: The focus is on improving professional practice through shared learning and collaboration. Members exchange ideas, strategies, and resources to enhance their effectiveness in supporting young children's development and learning.
Learning: Learning within a CoP is characterized by informal exchanges, discussions, and shared experiences. It involves dialogue, reflection, feedback, and the application of knowledge in real-world ECEC settings.
Identity: Being part of a CoP helps professionals develop their professional identity and expertise in ECEC. It provides opportunities for mentoring, peer support, and continuous professional development.
Regular Meetings: It is crucial that these spaces of collaboration, conversation, learning, and sharing remain continuous. Therefore, members should convene regularly (e.g., weekly, monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, etc.) to foster relationships and network with fellow professionals.
Looking to Join a Community of Practice?
Joining a community of practice (CoP) involves finding a group aligned with your professional goals and actively participating in its activities. Here are some steps to help guide you on how to join a CoP:
Identify your interest(s): Determine the specific area(s) of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) that are the most interesting and/or relevant to you.
Research existing CoPs: Look for CoPs that focus on your chosen area of interest. You can find CoPs through professional organizations, educational institutions, online platforms, and social media groups.
Attend meetings or events: If the CoP holds regular meetings or events, attend them to get a feel for the group’s focus, dynamics, and relevance to your professional goals.
Introduce yourself and participate: Once you’ve identified a CoP that aligns with your interests, introduce yourself to the group. Participate actively in discussions, share your experiences, and contribute resources or insights that can benefit other members. Diversify the conversation with your unique voice.
Commit to learning and collaboration: Engage consistently with the CoP by attending meetings and/or participating in online discussions and staying updated on relevant resources and developments in the field.
Joining a CoP supports members to gain access to a wealth of knowledge, experiences, and best practices shared among peers. Moreover, CoPs provide a supportive community where members can engage in reflective practice, receive constructive feedback, and stay updated on the latest trends and research in the field. Regular meetings and interactions—whether in-person, online, or hybrid—facilitate networking opportunities and the building of strong professional relationships.
Ultimately, participating in a CoP not only enhances individual competence but also contributes to the overall advancement of early childhood education practices in our region.
Upcoming Communities of Practice…
Keep an eye on our events page for updates on all professional learning opportunities. There are many exciting things to come!
References/Resources
College of Early Childhood Educators (2018). Communities of practice. https://www.collegeece.ca/en/Documents/CPL%20Resource-Communities-Of-Practice.pdf
Third, S. (2022). Reflective Practice in Early Years Education. London: Fanshawe College Pressbooks.
Wenger, E. (1999). Communities of Practice. Learning, Meaning and Identity. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Wenger, E., McDermott, R., & Snyder, W. (2002). Cultivating Communities of Practice: A Guide to Managing Knowledge. Boston: Harvard Business School Press.
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