Growing KNOWLEDGE

A key goal of a community of practice is to build and share knowledge around a specific issue or topic. In a community of practice, all members are committed to be being both learners and teachers. They are also committing to participate in multiple and engaging opportunities to:

• Connect with others
• Create shared understandings
• Unpack research
• Reflect on practice
• Share resources
• Participate in webinars

A collaborative online work space, such as a wiki, blog, or dedicated website, can serve as a repository for the new knowledge that the community is building. A shared space allows participants to easily access shared knowledge, reflect on or add new knowledge, and revisit archived information on an as-needed basis. As communities grow new knowledge, they can begin sharing beyond the immediate community.

For examples of how communities of practice have shared their new knowledge with other educators see Literacy for All and Numeracy for All.

There will be a natural overlap in some of the strategies and processes used to grow knowledge and those used to Share results.