toastmasters cop
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MALT Ethnography of a Community of PractiecTRANSCRIPT
ToastmastersAn Ethnography of a CoP
Elements of a CoP!
• Do they all have a shared interest in one particular area?
• Is there a common learning goal?
• Is there a means of sharing basic knowledge to newcomers?
• Is there a way that the group is building their shared understanding?
• Are there forms of social interactions and communication among members?
• Is there a known leader or master of knowledge?
• Is there reference to outside sources for creating / benchmarking on standards of practice?
Do they all have a shared interest in one particular area?
Toastmasters Mission: We provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which
members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in
greater self-confidence and personal growth.
Is there a common learning goal?
Shared Learning Goal: Become better speakers and
communicators
Is there a means of sharing basic knowledge to newcomers?
Getting started: Easy to navigate website with necessary information for newcomers
to get started. Videos, manuals, and articles share basics for newcomers.
Is there a way that the group is building their shared understanding?
Shared Understanding: the group uses formal feedback tools and evaluations to
help build a shared understanding of a great speech and to help all members improve.
Are there forms of social interactions and communication among members?
Social: Westside Toastmasters meets once per week on Wednesday evenings and maintains an e-mail newsletter to keep everyone informed of club events and role assignments for the next
meeting.
Is there a known leader or master of knowledge?
Leader: each meeting has a “Toastmaster” as master of ceremonies and the club has several officers at all
times including club president.
Is there reference to outside sources for creating / benchmarking on standards of
practice?
Benchmarking: Westside Toastmasters is part of Toastmasters International which provides clear guidelines and
practices for running an individual club.