Communities of Practice
The Institute of Leadership at Higher Education (ILHE) at the University of Sharjah (UOS) is dedicated to fostering a culture of teaching and learning excellence. In line with this commitment, we announce the establishment of the new Communities of Practice (CoP) initiative to enhance our outreach and community building efforts.
What are Communities of Practice?
Communities of practice are professional groups whose members "share a passion for something they know how to do and who interact regularly to learn how to do it better" (Wenger, 1998; Wenger, 2000; Wenger & Snyder, 2000). Depending on the interests of members, they may host presentations, share ideas and problem-solve together, host guest speakers, collaborate on projects, or hold social/networking events.
Inspired by Wenger's seminal 1998 framework, our CoP initiative is grounded in the belief that learning is a communal process that evolves through four fundamental components: Practice, Community, Identity, and Meaning.
- Practice: Engaging in shared activities and discussions that refine our skills and deepen our knowledge.
- Community: Building connections and a sense of belonging, fostering an inclusive environment where all members contribute and learn.
- Identity: Developing a personal and group identity through continuous learning and becoming an integral part of our community.
- Meaning: Creating and interpreting knowledge that resonates with our personal and collective experiences.
Each element is interdependent and adaptable, emphasizing that learning can be centered around any aspect, thereby enhancing our CoP's dynamic and responsive nature.
Key Benefits
Communities of Practice (CoPs) at the University of Sharjah offer a dynamic platform for exchanging knowledge and experiences within and beyond the university. Participants engage in meaningful face-to-face and online interactions, focusing on teaching and learning topics that align with their professional interests. By participating in CoPs, members can benefit in several ways:
- Promote Mutual Learning: Facilitate the exchange of experiences, insights, and best practices among members, creating a vibrant learning environment that leverages collective knowledge and expertise.
- Develop a Supportive Social Structure: Create opportunities for informal interactions and relationship-building through regular meetings, online forums, and collaborative projects, fostering a strong community network.
- Encourage Knowledge Creation and Innovation: Provide a platform where members can collaboratively generate new ideas, solutions, and approaches, driving innovation within their shared domain.
Join our Communities
We invite the support and participation of faculty members, instructional designers, technologists, and administrators in this important initiative to advance teaching and learning at our university. Click here to join our Communities of Practice group.
By joining, you'll be part of a vibrant community committed to excellence and continuous improvement. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to shape the future of our institution together!
Initiating a New Community of Practice
Faculty members, administrators and staff interested in starting a new Community of Practice (CoP) should submit a proposal that includes:
Purpose and Objectives: Clearly define the goals and expected outcomes of the new CoP.
Proposed Membership: Outline potential members and their roles within the CoP.
Value to the University: Describe how the new CoP aligns with the University of Sharjah's strategic goals and adds value to the academic community.
Please submit your proposal using this form.
