Task 3B

Task 3B

This task shall aim to critically reflect on the given concepts from Reader 3, with an explanation on how they give an understanding to my current professional practice. The concepts listed are cooperation, affiliation, and theory of connectivity which is a set of related explanations which are social constructionism, connectivism and communities of practice.

The given concepts above all help with the understanding of professional networks, which in theory is a group of individuals whom share a common interest. For example, a group of people who attend the same sports club and compete in the same sport. Some individuals then go on to be a lot closer, such as affiliations, for example, they play for the same team, and others may have slightly more distanced relationships such as a spectator of the sport and the players.

Cooperation is a theory that sets out principles which can in turn be a method of tackling issues and problems in relation to society and relationships to name a few. This theory is also associated with Game Theory, which is a study of ‘conflict and cooperation’, it helps to understand strategies of components such as individuals, groups etc. who are interdependent (T L, Turocy, 2001). Robert Axelrod noticed the importance of cooperation between agents, and also noticed more greatly the benefits of cooperation itself. This is best explained in ‘Prisoners Dilemma’.

The second concept, affiliation, is a term which is commonly associated with psychology Which relates to how individuals seek enjoyment from affiliations with others. It in turn is a social psychological matter which acts as a support system dependent on other individuals who are too seeking support in a related field. The concept is explained by Crisp & Turner, 2007, as a ‘social process that provides us with a network of support that will help us when we are in need. ’To me, this concept is universal as it states that all individuals needs affiliation, regardless of our position.

Social constructionism explains how meanings and definitions are made about the world and life as we live it. This is done in three ways, with the first one being social interaction. We interact with one another and share our experiences which creates imagery and definition for another person. We engage in a particular network, and we contribute to people who share the same outlook as us, giving meaning.

The second way is connectivism, which emphasises on learning and how we receive ideas. More commonly, the use of Web 2.0, through social networks and creator and reader ideas. This concept also has a link to ethical principles, for example what not to share, and what comments are seen as appropriate. Wegner identified three main points in relation to communities of practice which are what it is about, the functions, and its capability (Wegner, 1998).

Nationalaffairs.com. [Online]. Available from:

http://www.nationalaffairs.com/imgLib/20121219_HubbardKane_Table1LARGE.jpg

[Accessed 2.12.16]

Turocy T, L. (2001). Game Theory. Texas A&M University. London School of Economics. CDAM Research Report. [Online]. Available from: http://www.cdam.lse.ac.uk/Reports/Files/cdam-2001-09.pdf

Wegner, E. (1998). Communities of practice: Learning, meaning, and identity. Cambridge: University of Cambridge Press.