MALT 17 Ethnography of a CoP project

1. Toastmasters
An Ethnography of a CoP

2. Elements of a CoP
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• 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?

3. Do they all have a shared interest in one
particular area?

4. 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.

5. Is there a common learning goal?

6. Shared Learning Goal:
Become better speakers and
communicators

7. Is there a means of sharing basic knowledge to
newcomers?

8. Getting started: Easy to navigate website
with necessary information for newcomers
to get started. Videos, manuals, and
articles share basics for newcomers.

9. Is there a way that the group is building their
shared understanding?

10. 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.

11. Are there forms of social interactions and
communication among members?

12. 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.

13. Is there a known leader or master of
knowledge?

14. Leader: each meeting has a
“Toastmaster” as master of ceremonies
and the club has several officers at all
times including club president.

15. Is there reference to outside sources for
creating / benchmarking on standards of
practice?

16. Benchmarking: Westside Toastmasters
is part of Toastmasters International
which provides clear guidelines and
practices for running an individual club.