#29 Etienne & Bev Wenger-Trayner | Communities of Practice and Uncertainty-driven Learning

In this episode of the ResponsAbility Podcast, we are joined by Etienne and Beverly Wenger-Trayner, leading voices in social learning theory and the development of communities of practice. Etienne is widely known for his foundational work on situated learning and the concept of communities of practice, while Beverly brings extensive experience in convening social learning systems across sectors and cultures. Together, they explore learning as a fundamentally social process shaped by participation, identity, and shared practice. The conversation challenges traditional views of education as knowledge transmission and instead highlights learning as engagement with uncertainty and the capacity to make a difference in practice. Drawing on examples from organizations and education, they reflect on the future of universities, the role of intuition and theory, and how communities of practice can foster practical wisdom in complex professional contexts.

00:01:23 – Origins of their work and intellectual journeys

00:06:07 – What are situated learning and communities of practice?

00:08:17 – Examples and real-life applications of communities of practice

00:10:23 – Implications for universities and how education could be redesigned

00:20:17 – Reflective practice research and identity formation

00:25:58 – Relationship between intuition and theoretical frameworks in practice

00:30:12 – Communities of practice and the development of practical wisdom / responsibility

00:32:25 – Final reflections and key message to listeners

Literature:

• Wenger-Trayner E., Wenger-Trayner B., Reid P., Bruderlein C.(2023): Communities of practice within and across organizations — a guidebook. Sesimbra: Social Learning Lab.
• Wenger-Trayner E. & Wenger-Trayner B. (2021): Systems convening a crucial form of leadership for the 21st century. Sesimbra: Social Learning Lab.
• Wenger-Trayner E. & Wenger-Trayner B. (2020): Value creation in social learning spaces. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
• Wenger-Trayner E., Fenton O’Creevy M., Hutchinson S., Kubiak C. & Wenger-Trayner B. (2014): Learning in Landscapes of Practice Boundaries, identity, and knowledgeability in practice-based learning. Abingdon-on-Thames: Routledge.
• Wenger, E. (1998): Communities of practice - learning, meaning, and identity. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
• Lave J. & Wenger E. (1991): Situated learning - legitimate peripheral participation. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.