Pathways is in the process of completing the first year of a two-year community of practice focusing on algebra instruction. Communities of practice are groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly. In partnership with City College of San Francisco, Pathways has facilitated discussions with middle school, high school and community college technical education instructors. The Algebra Project Community of Practice (AP CoP) is loosely based on the work of the Algebra Project developed by civil rights pioneer, Bob Moses. Our work in the AP CoP has focused on unpacking who our "struggling math students are" and ways to build instruction from student identities and personal experiences. The group is rooted in a belief that math literacy is at the center of the technological shift towards a knowledge-based economy and access to future jobs.
This unlikely group of math teachers, coming from various backgrounds, has been thoughtful and philosophical in discussions about how to engage the lowest performing students. We have learned a few things about successful communities of practice:
- Start as you mean to go on: the AP CoP asked members to sign a contract agreeing to group norms and attendance. Our community specifically addressed a commitment to all members having equal talk time and a commitment to nonviolence (kudos to the Bob Moses' roots)
- Consistently ask for feedback: Pathways facilitated reflective discussions and invited members to complete evaluations monthly, which informed the planning process. Feedback allows the group to guide the direction of the community itself.
- Be clear about roles and expectations: A community of practice is different than training: Teachers are accustomed to receiving professional development and really struggled with the ambiguity of discussing critical questions and arriving at shared meaning together.
- Let the group evolve organically: interests, outcomes and members are subject to change and CoP forums should be designed to support shifts in focus.
- Don't rush to solutions: A community or practice is about developing meaning together over a period of time. The participants will likely demand clean and quick answers to complex questions. Don't rush it; make space for the group arrive at solutions together.
If you think a community of practice might be useful in your group of practitioners or whoever/wherever you designate as your community, please let us know. We can help establish the protocol. Here are some resources to learn more:
In partnership, Amanda Gerrie & Kim Coulthurst
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