Beta Upsilon has created Communities of Practice (COP):

“In communities of practice, self-organized and self- selected groups of people share a common sense of purpose and a desire to learn and know what each other knows” (Pereles et al., p. 206).

Essential characteristics of communities of practice:

a.       Domain of shared interest, requiring a minimal level of knowledge of the domain or shared competence that differentiates members from others outside the group.

b.      Community for members to engage in joint activities and discussions

c.       Common practices in which members develop a shared repertoire of resources that include experiences, tools, stories, and ways of addressing recurring problems (in essence a shared practice).

§         Such groups have greater homogeneity than diversity, but perceive diversity to be a positive characteristic when it does occur.

§          “Communities of practice will be most successful when the group takes charge of learning this requires the group to participate in activities requiring mutual engagement, including challenges and responsibilities that call on the knowledge of group members, yet encourages them to explore new territories” (p. 211).

Pereles, L., Lockyer, J., & Fidler, H. (2002). Permanent small groups: Group dynamics, learning, and change. The Journal of continuing Education in the Health Professions, 22, 205-213.

The Beta Upsilon chapter of STTI is moving forward with this exciting concept, establishing COP based on feedback you provided through surveys administered at the 2008 Fall Induction ceremony and a subsequent survey emailed to our members. With over 70 responses, the initial COP that we will work on establishing are:

a.       Leadership Development

b.      University / College Faculty Development

c.       Hospital Nursing

d.      Using Innovation to Facilitate Change in Nursing

e.      EBP in Clinical Practice

f.        Community Nursing

Other communities of practice were identified in the membership survey.  Initially we will launch with those listed 

Look for more information coming soon! If you’re still interested in joining one of the COP, please contact Barbara Wilson (2^nd VP) @ barbara.l.wilson@asu.edu

BECOME A COP LEADER click here

Look for more information coming soon!

Information coming soon! Check back frequently.