There is no better CPD than positive events with enthusiastic colleagues. This is exactly why ‘pedagoo local’ concept has so much potential. By setting up localised networks across Scotland we have the capacity to encourage dynamic, innovative and creative practice across the profession.

Tonight was the first (hopefully of many) pedagooNE ‘meets’. I’ve returned home full of enthusiasm and with loads of new ideas. The evening saw people from across education present ideas and examples of practice  with one common denominator throughout – positivity. We learned about ‘geocache’ with Primary pupils, gamification in both Secondary and FE, making debating easy in the Science classroom, the resources available at Aberdeen University and engaging pupils excluded from mainstream education. All those who attended were open and enthusiastic towards the presentations, they networked with professionals across the sector and most importantly, fed off the enthusiasm of each other.

It is this enthusiasm that is key to the development of teaching and learning. The power of positivity cannot be underestimated. The best gauge of the success of the meet was the feedback we received at the end. There really is the ambition to establish a proactive and dynamic network. Hopefully pedagooNE can do exactly this, with regular meets such as tonight’s, the use of the forum on pedagoo.org and of social networking such as twitter.

PedagooNE is not under the control of anyone, it’s for those involved to determine what shape and form it takes. It’s ‘for teachers, by teachers’. Establishing positive discussion and the sharing of ideas is fundamental to the development of teaching and learning. I really feel we have made a good start in the North East of Scotland tonight and look forward to seeing how pedagoo local rolls out in other areas.

If you would like to see some of the discussion about this evening, have a look at #pedagooNE on twitter. I am very grateful to Duncan McKay of Aberdeen College for his help in providing a venue and the setting up of the meet. The College itself is also due thanks for allowing us to use its facilities.

All that’s left to say is watch this space!