The Student International Community of Practice: a critical reflection on the shared experience of being a member, using creative hermeneutics
RIS ID
145784
Abstract
Background: The Student International Community of Practice is a global network of more than 30 doctoral candidates affiliated with the Centre for Person-centred Practice Research, at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh. An ongoing challenge the community faces is its changing and growing membership; as members progress and complete their doctoral studies they leave the group, and as the centre grows new community members (doctoral candidates) join. Aim: To explore and describe the experience of being a member of the Student International Community of Practice, using a creative process of reflection and collaborative analysis, and to identify the implications for the future of the community and the integration of new members. Conclusion: The Student International Community of Practice is a valuable social learning experience for those who are members. It will continue to be a flourishing safe space if, despite its changing membership, we pay explicit attention to our agreed purpose, ways of working and values. Implications for practice/academic research: • Belonging to a sustainable and flourishing community of practice enhances learning, and decreases isolation and loneliness on the doctoral journey • A community of practice is sustainable when it is underpinned by a clear purpose, agreed ways of working and values, to which all members consistently pay explicit attention
Publication Details
Sanders, K., Marriott-Statham, K. A., Mackay, M. T., MacMillan, A., Rennie, K., Robinson, B. Ann. & Teeling, S. Paul. (2020). The Student International Community of Practice: a critical reflection on the shared experience of being a member, using creative hermeneutics. International Practice Development Journal, 10 (1), 1-11.