Connecting Threads Enriching the EF Community
Possibility occurs when individual threads are woven together ... each thread brings new energy and strength from a different direction . The result is flexible , resilient and useful .
SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE
“ One of the great things about community is that it enables us to welcome and help people in a way we couldn ’ t as individuals .” – Jean Vanier
How our COP does it
LEARNING FROM ONE OTHER
As educators it is crucial that we continuing to learn ourselves . Our CoP is a site of mutual learning . Monthly meetings provide space to discuss challenges , ask questions , and learn from one another .
“ The development of a teacher identity involves : a sense of appreciation , a sense of connectedness , a sense of competence , a sense of commitment , and imagining a future career trajectory .”
How our COP does it
Providing guidance on how to navigate the EF role , university structures and the broader tertiary educational system . More experienced members are always willing to support to those who are new to the role .
“ I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen , heard , and valued ; when they can give and receive without judgment ; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship .” Brené Brown
How our COP does it
CONNECTION AND STRENGTH
Developing strong connections between EFs of diverse backgrounds and encouraging collaboration and sharing of ideas .
SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE TRANSITION AND
“ The development of a teacher identity involves : a sense of GROWTH
appreciation , a sense of connectedness , a sense of competence , a sense of commitment , and imagining a future career trajectory .”
“ A community can exist over time despite a change of participants . It develops its own culture and communication methods as it How matures our .” Li COP et al does it o Provides guidance on how to navigate How the our EF COP role does , university it structures and the Supporting broader new tertiary EFs educational and encouraging system . More discussion experienced of issues members relating to are career always willing transitions to provide and professional support recognition to those . who are When new members to the are role
settled in their roles they either ‘ flee the nest ’ or stay on as informal mentors for new members .
SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE DIVERSITY OF
“ The development of a teacher identity
MEMBERS involves : a sense of appreciation , a sense of connectedness , a sense of competence “ Diversity
, a sense is about
of all
commitment of us , and about
, and imagining us having a to future figure career out how trajectory to walk .”
through this world together .” Jacqueline Woodson How our COP does it o How Provides our COP guidance does it on how to navigate Our members the EF role are , university EFs from all structures areas of and the university broader tertiary regardless educational of discipline system , . More experience experienced , and expertise members . Through are always this willing diversity to our provide community support is strong to those , as who are members new to share the role and learn from the wealth of perspectives , resources , and knowledge .
FINDING YOUR TRIBE
COMMON GOALS
“ A key to growing as an educator is to keep company mainly with teachers who uplift you , whose presence inspires you , and whose dedication drives you .” Robert John Meehan
How our COP does it
Providing a community for EFs to meet others who appreciate the various aspects of the education focused role . Creating a community to access resources , advice , professional development and networks .
“ Communities are also a place where people can make a contribution and know it will be genuinely appreciated .” Wenger et al
How our COP does it
PRIVATE CHANNEL TO SHARE
By creating a safe , respective , and supportive environment , our CoP is a place where EFs can openly discuss challenges and support each other in finding creative solutions to implement . By sharing our experiences both strengthen our community and build confidence in individual EFs .
CoPs come to life from the trans-personal process of thinking together . Igor Pyrko , Viktor Dörfler , and Colin Eden
How our COP does it
The members of our CoP share a common and overarching goal of excellence in education , training , and teaching . Our passion and commitment to enhance the student learning environment at UNSW binds us together .
Academic Leads : |
Contributors : |
|
|
|
|
Karin Watson Janis Wardrop |
Vita Birzniece Pauline Campbell Jennie Cederholm |
Teresa Crea Chien Gooi Lynn Gribble |
Vanessa Honson Laure Helme-Guizon June Kim |
Chris Maloney Emma Mills Emma Peters |
Priyanka Srivastava with members of the New Education Focussed Community of Practice ( 2021 ) |
References : Theme 1 . Support & Guidance- Ref- Lankveld , T . V ., Schoonenboom , J ., Volman , M ., Croiset , G ., & Beishuizen J . ( 2017 ) Developing a teacher identity in the university context : a systematic review of the literature , Higher Education Research & Development , 36:2 , 325-342 . Theme 2 . Connection , Interwoven , Strength- Ref- Wenger , E ., Richard , A ., Snyder , W . ( 2002 ). Cultivating Communities of Practice : a Guide to Managing Knowledge . Harvard Business Press . Boston . Theme 3 . Diversity of members and knowledge Ref- Jacqueline Woodson . ( Quotation link ) Theme 4 . Common goals Ref- Pyrko I , Dörfler V , Eden C . ( 2017 ). Thinking together : What makes Communities of Practice work ? Human Relations . 70 ( 4 ): 389- 409 . Theme 5 . Private and safe channel to share and discuss Ref- Wenger , E ., Richard , A ., Snyder , W . ( 2002 ). Cultivating Communities of Practice : a Guide to Managing Knowledge . Harvard Business Press . Boston . Theme 6 . Finding your tribe Ref- Robert John Meehan , ( Quotation link ). Theme 7 . Transition and growth Ref- Li , L . C ., Grimshaw , J . M ., Nielsen , C . et al . ( 2009 ). Evolution of Wenger ’ s concept of community of practice . Implementation Sci 4 , 11 . Theme 8 . Learning from one other Ref- Jean Vanier ., Community And Growth . ( Quotation Link )
24