{"id":16718,"date":"2021-11-16T13:39:47","date_gmt":"2021-11-16T20:39:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/?p=16718"},"modified":"2023-10-23T09:56:38","modified_gmt":"2023-10-23T15:56:38","slug":"esl-community-of-practice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-community-of-practice\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Build an Online ESL Community of Practice"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Whether you\u2019re swapping stories during a training course or discovering job opportunities at a conference, a huge part of your growth as a TEFL\/TESOL professional happens when you\u2019re with your peers. Although the pandemic has hampered these in-person interactions, it\u2019s still possible to stay connected with your TEFL fellows by building your ESL community of practice (CoP) online. Let\u2019s look at what a community of practice is all about and how you can build one virtually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is an ESL community of practice?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Outside of your set of workmates or friends who are in the English teaching field, there are wider circles of ESL educators with whom you can connect to continue your professional development. These informal networks are called communities of practice, and they bring together professionals who help each other grow by regularly exchanging insights, offering learning resources, and sharing their skills and knowledge in ESL teaching. Chances are, you are already part of a CoP!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is a community of practice important?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As educators who are constantly learning and evolving, we can benefit a lot from a community of practice in the following ways:<\/p>\n\n\n