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In this month's issue, we're excited to introduce Sandra-Jane (S-J) Grier, Delivery and Engagement Partner at CDN. With a background in Industrial Design, S-J is passionate about creating and improving learning, teaching, and assessment. She leads CDN's Teaching in Colleges Today (TiCT) units and supports the development of learning practices through CDN's Changing Learner and other programmes.
S-J's latest blog post, 'What is Explicit Direct Instruction (EDI) and How Can It Transform Your Teaching Approach?,' explores what Explicit Direct Instruction is, why it's essential for all lecturers to understand, and how it can enhance your teaching. Read the blog post here.
S-J also introduces this month's update:
"Welcome to this month's CDN Update! In this edition, we’re celebrating Neurodiversity in Action with our campaign for Neurodiversity Celebration Week, featuring podcasts and resources from Ayrshire College and West College Scotland. We also highlight the Coaching Skills for Managers Programme, new findings on tackling gender-based violence in Scotland's colleges, and the return of the Ideation: Illuminations LinkedIn Campaign. Plus, we’re excited to welcome our new CDN Board Member and explore the CDN College Awards 2025. Stay tuned and stay informed!"
If you have any questions related to learning, teaching and assessment feel free to reach out to S-J at sandra-jane.grier@cdn.ac.uk
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Celebrating Neurodiversity in Action Campaign
CDN’s EDI Strategic Network launched the ‘Celebrating Neurodiversity in Action' campaign for Neurodiversity Celebration Week (which took place last week), celebrating neurodivergent individuals and promoting inclusivity in education.
The campaign featured resources, activities, and inspiring podcasts with personal stories from Ayrshire College and West College Scotland, highlighting the strengths of neurodivergent individuals. Tune into podacst series here.
The campaign webpage offered tools to help spread the message and encourage social media sharing for a successful week.
Thank you for supporting this important initiative.
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Coaching Skills for Managers Programme
Ready to enhance your leadership skills? The Coaching Skills for Managers Programme helps develop strategies to improve team performance, communication, and conflict resolution.
Gain practical tools to foster growth, give feedback, and manage challenges.
But don’t take our word for it! Hear from a graduate:
"This was a truly engaging and thought-provoking day, encouraging self-reflection and offering practical tips for moving forward and applying learning."
Spots are filling fast—apply here now to unlock your potential!
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Tackling Gender-based Violence in Scotland's Colleges:
New Survey Findings Report
On Friday 7 March, CDN and Colleges Scotland launched the findings of our new survey report, ‘Colleges’ Approach to Tackling Gender-based Violence and Harassment.’
Since January 2023, we've collaborated to assess how the Scottish college sector addresses gender-based violence (GBV) and harassment.
This report highlights key survey outcomes and offers recommendations for colleges to strengthen their efforts in preventing and addressing GBV.
Read the full blog post and report here.
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CDN College Awards 2025 Open for Entries
The CDN College Awards recognise the talent, skills, and achievements of colleges, their staff, and their learners. They provide a valuable opportunity to celebrate innovation happening across colleges in the country. Entries are now open and close on 26 June, with the awards ceremony taking place on 4 December at the Radisson Blu, Glasgow.
Discover the Awards here.
Sponsorship Opportunities – Become a key supporter of innovation and excellence in education.
Explore Sponsorship Opportunities here.
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The Return of Ideation: Illuminations LinkedIn Campaign
We're excited to announce the return of the Ideation: Illuminations Campaign, starting Thursday 24 April, with a 10-week LinkedIn series!
Ideation: Illuminations offers bite-sized weekly content for college staff to inspire fresh approaches to course design. Developed by CDN’s Insight and Innovation Partner, Jo Turbitt, the series introduces creative strategies to spark new ways of thinking.
Available now on CDN LearnOnline, the series includes videos on innovative problem-solving, brainstorming, and creativity. Dive in, find what resonates, and start building your toolkit of creative solutions.
Stay tuned on LinkedIn to join the conversation!
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CAIRN Journal:
Call for Papers
The deadline for College Action Inquiry Research Network (CAIRN) draft proposals is 31 March, for the June issue, and 31 August, for the November issue.
The journal invites submissions from across the college sector, aiming to engage educators, researchers, and leaders in teaching, managing, and evaluating delivery provision.
Read recent blog post here
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#EqualityMatters Digest
We’re committed to helping you put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything you do. To support this, we’ve developed a monthly #EqualityMatters digest, signposting you to relevant events, information, and resources.
Next month’s focus is... Incel Culture and Misogyny.
Watch this space!
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Hello everyone,
As we wrap up this month, I’d like to share a few final thoughts with you.
This week, we’re excited to welcome Jen Henderson to the CDN Board. A strategic leader in post-16 education, Jen currently heads Talent Partnerships at Heriot-Watt University. She previously managed the Developing the Young Workforce Programme at Forth Valley College and led sports development at Fife and West Lothian councils. We look forward to working with Jen and benefiting from her diverse expertise.
Next month, we’re thrilled to kick off the FREE AI series in partnership with UHI Inverness, which was a complete sell-out! With a large waiting list, it’s clear that AI-focused online series are exactly what you’re eager to learn about. Rest assured, we’re working behind the scenes to create even more training opportunities in this exciting field.
As part of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, the CDN team got together to focus on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, following the successful launch of the Neurodiversity Campaign and the Gender-Based Violence report (find out more above). During the session, we explored two key topics: Neuroinclusion at Work, led by our former colleague and friend, Sandy MacLean, and Enhancing Digital Accessibility, led by CDN's Delivery & Engagement Partner, Kenji Lamb. These insightful sessions provided essential information and resources to help us foster a more inclusive workplace and enhance our service to you all. Do get in touch if you’d like to find out more – or if you’d be interested in a session for you own team.
As always, we’re here to support your professional development with a range of courses, events, and resources. Be sure to explore what’s on offer through CDN’s website.
Best wishes,
Marie Hendry
Chief Executive, CDN
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