Sannino (2011) poses the following question:
Is the learner to be understood primarily as an individual or as a community?
This question is key to my research.
It is based on the concept of community of practice developed by Wenger (1998) and Lave and Wenger (1991).
However, this might be seen as a one-dimensional approach. The theory of expansive learning (Engeström 1987) calls for a more multidimensional approach: communities as learners, transformation and creation of culture, horizontal movement, hybridization, formation of theoretical concepts.
The theory of expansive learning uses the metaphor of expansion.
It has been useful in studies of non-traditional, hybrid and multi-organizational settings.
References
Sannino, A. (2011) Lecture handout from the Building competencies in and for work course. Helsinki: University of Helsinki.