What+is+it?


 * A Learning Community** is simply a group of individuals with similar interests or studying similar fields who interact, learn together and build relationships. In the process, learners develop a sense of belonging and commitment; all with the ultimate goal of deepening their understaning on the subject matter.

The concept of a Learning Community is relatively new. Until the late 1980's to early 1990's learning research has focused on the individual. The focus has since shifted to the idea that learning occurs best in a community.

Wenger, et al theorize three components that make up a learning community:
 * 1) Community of People
 * 2) Domain of Knowledge
 * 3) Shared Practice

A community of people has the following characteristics:
 * It creates a social fabric of learning
 * Encourages idea sharing
 * Exposes ignorance
 * Asks difficult questions

The domain of knowledge creates common ground/identity, guides learning, inspires members to contribute/participate and gives meaning to actions. Finally, shared practice is characterized by a set of frameworks, ideas, tools, information, styles, language, and shared documents.

[|Concept Map for Learning Communities]

Bielaczyz and Collins (1999) theorize that learning communities share four characteristics:


 * 1) Diversity of experience among its members, who are valued for their contributions and are given support to develop
 * 2) A shared objective of continually advancing collective knowledge and skills
 * 3) An emphasis on learning how to learn
 * 4) Mechanisms for sharing what is learned.

Through the honouring of learners' various backgrounds and utilizing each others strengths, learning is encouraged between peers. This requires the instructor to assume the role of organizer and facilitator of learning rather than being the 'sage on the stage'. Intrinsic motivation is enhanced in a learning community as the charateristics of a learning community closely match the priciples of [|andragogy] as espoused by [|Knowles]:


 * Adults need to be involved in the planning and evaluation of their instruction
 * Experience (including mistakes) provides the basis for learning activities
 * Adults are most interested in learning about subjects that have immediate relevance to their job or personal life
 * Adult learning is problem-centered rather than content-oriented.

Through the understanding of motivational theories and the link between motivation and learner engagement, we recognize the benefits of learning communities.