A Guide to Curation in Community: Creating Value for You and Your Members

A Guide to Curation in Community: Creating Value for You and Your Members

Curating content in a community is not simply about creating a resource for your members to access. It is an exercise that holds immense value for both you and your members. While the value for members is clear - the ability to access trusted and vetted information quickly - the true value for community builders lies in the act of curation itself.

When we curate, we are forced to process and understand the community we serve. It becomes an opportunity for us to learn and grow alongside our members. As we curate content, we begin to notice new ideas popping up and spreading. We become aware of the trends and topics that resonate with our community. And as we learn, we can pass on this information to our members, further enriching their experience.

But community curation is for you first, and your members second. Before you save anything, ask yourself whether it is worth saving. Is it valuable? If it is, capture it. However, it is important to exercise caution here. If everything is deemed special, then nothing truly stands out. The power of curation lies in the ability to connect the dots, to find the underlying themes and insights that can drive meaningful conversations and actions within your community.

One example of curation that highlights the value of connecting the dots is the concept of Learning Logs. Learning Logs are personalized learning resources for children. In these logs, children record their responses to learning challenges set by their teachers. It is a way for them to document their thought processes and gain insights into the strategies they use to resolve problems or overcome difficulties.

Research has shown that this type of journaling increases metacognition in students. Metacognition refers to the awareness of one's own thought processes and the ability to reflect on and improve upon them. By using learning logs, children become more aware of how they think and learn, ultimately enhancing their problem-solving skills.

What sets learning logs apart is the inclusion of colorful graphics and physical representations to illustrate thinking and learning, in addition to written reflections. This approach allows students who struggle with expressing themselves through traditional writing to engage more effectively in the process of reflective learning. While learning logs are not meant to be in-depth assessment tools, they provide a snapshot of what students have understood or struggled with in their lesson material.

The concept of learning logs aligns with the idea of community curation. It emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and understanding one's own learning process. By curating the knowledge and insights gained through learning logs, community builders can create a valuable resource for their members. This resource can help individuals within the community, whether they are students or employees, gain a deeper understanding of their own thought processes and problem-solving abilities.

Incorporating the principles of community curation and learning logs, here are three actionable pieces of advice for community builders:

• 1. Embrace the role of a curator: Recognize that your role as a community builder goes beyond simply providing information. Embrace the act of curation as a learning opportunity for yourself and as a way to add value to your community.

• 2. Encourage self-reflection: Implement practices that promote self-reflection within your community. Whether it's through learning logs or other methods, encourage your members to document their thoughts and insights. This not only enhances their own learning experience but also contributes to the collective knowledge of the community.

• 3. Connect the dots: Look for patterns and themes in the content you curate. Find the underlying insights that can drive meaningful conversations and actions within your community. By connecting the dots, you can provide a more holistic and valuable experience for your members.

In conclusion, community curation is not just about creating a resource for your members; it is an exercise that creates value for both you and your community. By curating content, you not only learn and understand the community you serve but also provide a trusted and vetted source of information for your members. Incorporating the principles of learning logs, community builders can further enhance the value they bring to their communities. Embrace the role of a curator, encourage self-reflection, and connect the dots to create a community that thrives on knowledge and insights.