Communities of practice in higher education: professional learning in an academic career. Issue 3 (2nd July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Arthur, Linet
• Is Part Of: International journal for academic development. Volume 21:Issue 3(2016)
• Page Start: 230
• Page End: 241
• Publication Date: 2016-07-02
• Subjects: Communities of practice -- higher education -- situated learning; College teaching -- Periodicals; Education, Higher -- Aims and objectives -- Periodicals; 378.1
• DOI: 10.1080/1360144X.2015.1127813
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1360-144X

Abstract

Abstract: This article focuses on the life history of a university academic, and the ways in which he learned in different communities of practice during his career. This account raises questions about the applicability of situated learning theory to a knowledge-based organisation, and argues that both the external context and the individuals within the community impinge on learning. It suggests that the role of academic staff developers may vary depending on the CoP and should include developing networks, facilitation, providing relevant expertise, improving harmony within CoPs and harnessing the benefits of internationally dispersed CoPs.