Nurturing our community of practice : collaborating to strengthen face-to-face communication among the staff of Hamilton District Christian High

Abstract

This project asked “By what means can the staff of Hamilton District Christian High nurture our Community of Practice?” Framed by action research engagement and insider action research, the inquiry allowed staff participants from this independent school to share stories of face-to-face interactions and team experiences, and to dialogue in a World Café. The study revealed that Hamilton District Christian High (HDCH) has many strengths that support a healthy community of practice, including conditions for effective, meaningful, face-to-face encounter practices that support those conditions and the values of shared purpose and community. Though staff practice servant leadership with each other, their understanding of leadership and followership and their discomfort with disagreement may be limiting them. If HDCH engages in the recommendations to celebrate its strengths and improve in its areas of growth, staff will grow in both mutual understanding and their capacity to provide exceptional Christian high school education. This project was conducted in compliance with the requirements of the Royal Roads University Research Ethics Policy.