Promoting and supporting coaches’ professional learning: Developing a Community of Practice

, Dawn Penney

AUT, Monash

2014

Journal of Athlete Centered Coaching

Lynn Kidman, PhD
Auckland University of Technology
Private Bag 92006
Auckland  New Zealand 1020
Ph: +64 (0)9 9219999 Ext. 6678 or

at AUTM Ext. 5197

This paper directs attention to coaches’ professional learning. It arises from a threeyear project in Aotearoa New Zealand that has evaluated a professional development programme designed to enhance and accelerate high performance coaches’ learning; the Coach Accelerator Programme (CAP). Drawing on data from interviews with coaches, the programme manager and support staff, and participant observations, we report on the ways in which coaches’ learning has been facilitated and supported. The concept of Community of Practice provides the theoretical framework for discussion of the programme and findings. Findings relating to two sub-themes (i) the dominant culture of the community, characterised as a culture of learning and sharing; and (ii) the structure, opportunity and support for the cultureand community; are presented. Achievements to date and significant challenges that need to be acknowledged in ongoing development of the CAP are addressed.

Keywords:

Coaching, Communities of Practice, Professional Learning, Learning Networks, Culture

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March 18, 2014