A presentation made at the 2023 annual conference of the Computers in Education Society of Ireland, during the TeachMeet. Time is just under 10 minute. Audio embedded - download to listen.

1. @magsamond #cesicon #cesi50 #teachmeet

2. So how did we get here?
TeachMeet appeared in Scotland in
2006 as a semi-formal event organised
‘by teachers for teachers’ in order to
share practice and discuss ideas in a
convivial atmosphere

3. 1. What are the characteristic elements of TeachMeet?
2. What motivates TeachMeet participants to engage?
3. Where is TeachMeet situated in the landscape of
participants’ professional learning?
4. What is the relationship between sustainability,
impact and evolution of TeachMeet?
SENSEMAKING
inquiry: strengths-based analysis: pattern-seeking
Appreciative Inquiry
what gives life?
what is valued?
Descriptive Statistics & IPA
what meaning does it have for
participants?

4. 11. In online discussions, TeachMeet is often referred to as
Continuing Professional Development, as Personal Learning
Network, as Community of Practice. Based on your
experience and perspective of TeachMeet, place a mark to
indicate where you would situate it.
6. What are three words you would use to describe
TeachMeet?
The 50 Most Common Words Used:

5. F1. About TeachMeet Events: arranged by teachers for teachers in an informal, convivial setting; out-of-hours, in a
voluntary capacity; an open invitation; free-of-charge; connectivity during and between events.
What gives life to events is the interplay between three signature elements:
i. the catalytic role of the MC
ii. the nanopresentation - a spreagadh or stimulus for those who wish to find out more
iii. the Open Space dynamic …
F2. About TeachMeet Participants
Profile: all levels and sectors, breadth of experience from pre-service to post-service; many participants progress through a
continuum of involvement – attending, presenting, organising. Dispositions shown are:
i. seekers - attending out of curiosity and seeking to improve oneself;
ii. sharers - presenting to share with others something that has worked in the classroom;
iii. bringers - organising to bring opportunity to others to experience TeachMeet.
Perspectives: view it as capable of fulfilling many of the functions of Community of Practice, Personal Learning Network,
Continuing Professional Development; situated in the intersections between CoP, PLN, & CPD in their personal
professional practice; more informal (network and community) than formal (professional development).
F3. About What Matters in TeachMeet - Group Experiential Themes show TeachMeet to be:
personal: evolving community & networks; encouragement of mentors, peers, colleagues; profound effect on individuals
purposeful: compelled by pioneering spirit; moral responsibility; discontent with CPD
practical: brief glimpse into another teacher's classroom; exchange of ideas; inspiring and transformational encounters
political: keep it simple and non-hierarchical; resist commercialisation and appropriation; acknowledge possible evolving
role in professional learning, in-person and online

6. F1. About TeachMeet Events: arranged by teachers for teachers in an informal, convivial setting; out-of-hours,
in a voluntary capacity; an open invitation; free-of-charge; connectivity during and between events.
What gives life to events is the interplay between three signature elements:
i. the catalytic role of the MC
ii. the nanopresentation - a spreagadh or stimulus for those who wish to find out more
iii. the Open Space dynamic …
F2. About TeachMeet Participants
Profile: all levels and sectors, breadth of experience from pre-service to post-service; many participants progress through a
continuum of involvement – attending, presenting, organising. Dispositions shown are:
i. seekers - attending out of curiosity and seeking to improve oneself;
ii. sharers - presenting to share with others something that has worked in the classroom;
iii. bringers - organising to bring opportunity to others to experience TeachMeet.
Perspectives: view it as capable of fulfilling many of the functions of Community of Practice, Personal Learning Network, Continuing Professional Development; situated in the intersections between CoP, PLN, & CPD
in their personal professional practice; more informal (network and community) than formal (professional development).
F3. About What Matters in TeachMeet - Group Experiential Themes show TeachMeet to be:
personal: evolving community & networks; encouragement of mentors, peers, colleagues; profound effect on individuals
purposeful: compelled by pioneering spirit; moral responsibility; discontent with CPD
practical: brief glimpse into another teacher's classroom; exchange of ideas; inspiring and transformational encounters
political: keep it simple and non-hierarchical; resist commercialisation and appropriation;
acknowledge possible evolving role in professional learning, in-person and online
is
humble
open
social
a desire line
informal & intersectional
evolving
potent

7. the indefinite definition
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1s0ndD-F4GZwKzbQIrrCRP5zv3Ir-
0h8ghSGYc6UXe6Y/edit?usp=sharing

8. https://magsamond.com
Go raibh maith agaibh
Thank you
Supervisors:
Dr Keith Johnston
Dr Richard Millwood