Developing Communities of Practice: The role of a Centre for Excellence in fostering staff communities

Abstract

This is a reflective paper that discusses our attempts to develop, support and grow Communities of Practice amongst staff of the University. While student communities are undoubtedly being fostered as well, this paper focuses exclusively on staff communities, primarily because the remit of the CETL concerns supporting staff in their efforts to foster learner autonomy among their students. The CPLA strategy places emphasis on three strategic development activities, each of which involves groups of staff working together in areas of common interest. These initiatives are designed to impact upon a significant number of staff and a substantial number of students.