Communities of Practice

For simplicity sake, I have this to say of the term ‘Communities of Practice’ (herein after referred to as CoP). As the name indicates, it is the coming together of individuals with the same interest for the purpose of learning together (i.e. practicing)

I have found this concise definition given by Etienne Wenger “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”

Wikipedia has this to say about Community of Practice, .. refers to the process of social learning that occurs and shared sociocultural practices that emerge and evolve when people who have common goals interact as they strive towards those goals

I agree with E. Wenger where he states that a CoP has three essential components which are Domain, the Community and the Practice.

To illustrate this, I would use Goal keepers in football clubs as an example of a CoP. Goal keepers from European clubs meet once a month to interact and share ideas.

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The domain here represents the shared interest, which is goal keeping, in football and this is the identity of the Community. Consenting to membership of this community by each goal keeper indicates commitment to the Community.

The Community is the actual meeting, coming together, sharing experiences, knowledge and ideas on the interest. In the community, relationships are built and members can engage in joint activities and learn from each other. Communication by e-mail or other non-physical form does not constitute a CoP. It the actual interaction once a month of these goal keepers that is important.

The Practice means that this shared interest is practiced by members. Therefore, individuals who are not goal keepers but come together to discuss issues in goalkeeping do not constitute a CoP. The actual goal keepers practice this interest in their clubs and therefore can be said to be a CoP.