Using a Communities of Practice model to contribute to community cohesion and self reliance

本研究探讨了实践社区方法（CoP）的社区大学伙伴关系（CUP）的应用。一个具体的重点是，形成警察是否可以帮助挣扎的社区科普日益紧张的资源环境。它们是否能将人们聚集在一起解决共同的问题，克服由特定的组织关系和个人背景带来的观点差异？数据包括：文献综述，半结构化访谈和焦点小组与CUP成员，和芝加哥实地考察。我们的研究开发了当地从业者的研究能力，他在他的少数民族社区内外分享了项目的学习。数据分析表明，CoP方法适用于跨界合作的个人（例如志愿者，法定和大学部门）。引人注目的是，我们的文献综述显示，除了我们自己有限的工作之外，CoP方法在CUP中的应用很少。在文献中，CoPs被批评没有明确处理不平等问题;虽然它们可能提供解决差异的空间，但对CoPs如何通过群体间冲突发挥作用的分析有限。然而，我们的经验数据显示了更多的潜力。鉴于这一前景，未来的研究重点包括（1）旨在为发展凝聚力和学习提供有效机制的CoP的实证研究，以及（2）加强社区合作伙伴在共同制作和社区知识交流中的作用。

This study explores the application of the communities of practice approach (CoP) to community-university partnerships (CUPs). A specific focus is whether forming CoPs might help struggling communities cope within an increasingly resource-stretched environment. Might they bring people together to solve common problems, overcoming differences in perspective brought about by specific organisational affiliations and personal backgrounds? Data includes: a literature review, semi-structured interviews and focus groups with CUP members, and Chicago fieldwork. Our study developed the research capacity of a local practitioner who shared the project's learning within his ethnic minority community and beyond.Data analysis indicated the versatility of the CoP approach for individuals working in partnership across boundaries (for example voluntary, statutory and university sectors). Strikingly, our literature review shows little application of the CoP approach to CUPs, beyond our own limited work. In the literature, CoPs are critiqued for not dealing explicitly with inequalities; while they may offer space to address differences, there is limited analysis of how CoPs work through inter-group conflicts. However our empirical data revealed more potential. Given this promise, future research priorities include (1) empirical studies of CoPs designed to provide effective mechanisms for developing cohesion and learning, and (2) enhancing the role of community partners in co-production and community knowledge exchange.