Professional Learning: Developing a Community of Practice
Keywords:
Coaching, Community of Practice, Professional Learning, Learning Networks, Culture.Abstract
This paper directs attention to coaches’ professional learning. It arises from
a three-year project in Aotearoa New Zealand that has evaluated a professional
development programme designed to enhance and accelerate high performance
coaches’ learning; the Coach Accelerator Programme (CAP). Drawing on data
from interviews with coaches, the programme manager and support staff, and
participant observations, we report on the ways in which coaches’ learning has
been facilitated and supported. The concept of Community of Practice provides
the theoretical framework for discussion of the programme and #ndings.
Findings relating to two sub-themes (i) the dominant culture of the community,
characterised as a culture of learning and sharing; and (ii) the structure,
opportunity and support for the culture and community; are presented.
Achievements to date and significant challenges that need to be acknowledged in
ongoing development of the CAP are addressed.
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