Affinity groups: a framework for developing workplace skills

This paper describes the affinity group concept and model as an alternative to traditional research groups in university computer science programs. The affinity research groups provide a physical setting in a cooperative environment in which undergraduate and graduate college students engage in research. Affinity groups involve students with a wide range of experiences, talents, interests and skill levels, and provide them with an opportunity to deepen their knowledge in a computer science area and to develop skills and strategies that will make them effective leaders and successful in academia and industry. The structured activities that are characteristic of affinity groups facilitate the transfer of knowledge and skills from an academic setting to the workplace. The paper addresses issues in the development of workplace skills, the challenges of the transfer of knowledge and skills and the particular ways in which the affinity group processes take into account what is known about transfer and the development of research, technical and social skills.