Community Learning and Self-generated Communities of Practice: The Case of Jangheung School

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to answer the following question: how are self-generated communities of practice formed? We search for answers in a case study of Jangheung Hakdang, a community learning initiative in Jeollanamdo, South Korea, which began as a personal hobby of a retired high-ranking government official and grew into a local community of practice. Research methodology included document analysis, in-depth interviews and participatory observation. We identified four phases in the formation of this self-generated community of practice: the germination period, institution building period, participation and growth period, maturation and sustained growth period. Furthermore, our findings highlighted the following factors for a successful community of practice: a dedicated leader, voluntary participation and contribution of members, and inclusion of a wide variety of community members.