Making Learning Visible: Documentation Strategies that Strengthen Community Learning

“Just like an unfinished piece of music, the documents produced by the children and teachers cry out to be interpreted, reinterpreted and modified. They are stories that never end, because their completion lies in the ongoing dialogue between their author and us, as we set about listening, reinterpreting and reliving a learning experience-and experience of life." (Carlita Rinaldi, a former pedagogical coordinator at Reggio Emilia, Making Learning Visible)

Documentation, as implemented by Reggio Emilia educators, is a constantly evolving process that can deepen and extend the learning of communities. Although documentation has different implications for communities that are primarily on-line versus those that are not, we think that all kinds of communities can benefit from thinking about documentation in this broader way.  Basic methods of documentation such as note-taking and recording and new tools and technologies such as Social Network Analysis allow community members to reflect on and add to their learning. It is important to apply these practices in a way that is useful to the group and to consider balance in your documentation strategy, as much of community learning comes from actions and interactions. Etienne Wenger discusses this further in a Knowledge Board interview. We are excited about the possibilities that are opened up for communities when they make a commitment to documentation.  Below is our evolving collection of insights, resources, tips, case studies and inspiration for approaching documentation to strengthen community learning.  We invite you to join us in this exploration by commenting (More Actions - above) or attaching examples of your work (Toolbar - Below) or by emailing us at info@knowledgecommunities.org with suggestions, resources, examples and ideas to improve this resource.

Goals of Documentation: Basic Record – A record of an event that can be used as a reference point in discussion and the foundation for further documentation and analysis. Transcript Audio Video Creating an online directory  Creating an electronic home Reflection - Reflection is a key to robust learning.  Wonder, valuing questions, discussing, synthesizing, reviewing and re-reviewing all lead to new insights and the understanding of larger themes. Journals Debriefing Incentives Data Collection and Analysis - You can use various data collection and data analysis tools to deepen the learning of the community and to give members a view of the community. Surveys Visual Analysis  Social Network Analysis  Extend the learning - Sharing information with the broader group allows for development of shared meaning and language among group members and fosters dialogue and debate.  Marketing Knowledge We look forward to hearing from you. * CP Square is an online CoP on Communities of Practice. It is a forum and resource for its members and for visitors on the latest methodology, technology and tools in CoP. You can explore many of the tools that we have included in our discussion at www.cpsquare.com.