Communities of Practice, Community Education: Elements of Social and Experiential Learning in High-Level Sports Officiating
Session Abstract
This session presents findings from research exploring how a Community of Practice (CoP) has emerged among officials who direct national-level sporting events. Their experiences represent formal, nonformal, and informal education and illustrate how various theories including social, experiential learning and situated learning intersect to improve practice and encourage lifelong learning.
Target Audience
This session will be of interest to those involved with community and nonformal education and to those interested in promoting the concept of learning throughout the lifespan. Additionally, practitioners who develop curriculum and conduct program planning for community organizations where learning occurs both formally and informally may find this session insightful.
Session Description
Research in education is generally focused on formal education, and it is only in studies focused on adults that we see reference to the learning that occurs outside of formal institutions and environments. Arguably, education of the most profound nature is situated in daily life, in our involvement in endeavors outside of the classroom and through interaction with others. Nonformal and incidental education have the power to be transformative and to enhance an individual’s quality of life and overall wellness.
USA Cycling is a national organization that governs cycling events across the United States. Individuals who officiate these events must participate in formal training provided by the organization, but significant learning occurs on the job, and is experiential and context based. This study explored elements of a Community of Practice (CoP) that have emerged as a result of personal interaction among officials as they seek to improve practice and to address issues related to their job. Results reveal that participants engage in social learning, and use the skills learned in this environment in other areas of their personal and professional lives. In addition, their experience in the CoP motivates them to participate in other forms of community education.