Community of Practice as a Tool for Fostering Professional Identity of Students with an Accidental Career Choice: Action Research Results

• Raushan Italmassova

  Narxoz University

  Author

• Zhansaya Orynbasar

  Narxoz University

  Author

  https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3026-2105

_{Abstract. This article presents the results of an action research (hereinafter AR) study aimed at examining the development of professional identity among students in various years of the “Social Work” program at Narkhoz University. The study spanned two semesters of the current academic year and was based on the volunteer work of the student Inclusive Center as a community of practice—or a practical form of AR. The empirical data consisted of nine in-depth interviews with student volunteers following the fall semester and reflective questionnaires following the spring semester; the data were analyzed using the thematic analysis method developed by Brown and Clark. The results indicate a shift from a partial to a more pronounced positive professional identity. Specifically, seven out of nine volunteers showed a strengthening of this identity. Given the initial context—in which virtually all students stated that their enrollment in the “Social Work” program was accidental and unplanned—this change demonstrates the need to apply a practical form of AR in extracurricular activities. The lack of initial interest in the profession, combined with practical and collaborative activities at the center, contributed to the development of a positive interest in the profession among the students and a sense of belonging to it. The key factors in the gradual growth of interest in social work and the formation of professional identity were: raising students’ awareness through classroom instruction and, of course, their participation in the development of the Inclusive Center at the university, including the direct organization and conduct of inclusive events, as well as a one-month internship at the “Meirim” Rehabilitation Center for Children and Adolescents.}

1. Zhansaya Orynbasar , Narxoz University

   преподаватель НАО Университет Нархоз

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