THE IMPORTANCE OF LEARNING AND PRACTICE COMMUNITIES IN EDUCATION: STRENGTHENING COLLABORATION, PROFESSIONAL GROWTH, AND INNOVATION: EDUCATORS' PERSPECTIVES IN GREECE
P. Foti, T. Bratitsis
Communities of Practice (CoPs) are defined as groups of individuals who share common interests, goals, or practices, collaborating systematically to exchange knowledge and experiences with the aim of improving and developing their skills. Within the field of education, CoPs provide a dynamic and supportive environment for educators, fostering collaboration, innovation, and professional growth. This study focuses on the perspectives of Greek educators regarding the role of CoPs, specifically the eTwinning platform, in their professional development.
The eTwinning platform exemplifies a CoP by offering educators opportunities to participate in collaborative projects, share best practices, and integrate innovative pedagogical methods into their teaching. Through the lens of the seminar "Educational Robotics with BeeBot," this research explores how such initiatives promote cognitive and metacognitive skill development, enhance inclusive practices, and support gender equality in the classroom. The BeeBot, a floor robot used as an educational tool, facilitates playful and interdisciplinary learning approaches, while also fostering computational thinking and problem-solving skills.
This study investigates how participation in CoPs like eTwinning influences educators’ professional identity, teaching practices, and their ability to implement inclusive, equitable, and modern teaching strategies. The findings highlight the value of CoPs in empowering educators to adapt to emerging educational challenges, encouraging creativity, and enhancing their sense of collaboration within a global teaching community.
By focusing on Greek educators' attitudes and experiences, this research provides valuable insights into the transformative potential of CoPs in professional development, particularly in integrating educational technology and fostering inclusive, student-centered learning environments. The study emphasizes the critical role of CoPs in supporting educators as lifelong learners, capable of driving positive change in education.
Keywords: Communities of Practice (CoPs), eTwinning, Professional Development, Innovation.