M2C: 9 November - Penrith
On Saturday 9th November, at St Andrew’s Church, Penrith, seven delegates attended the ART Module 2C Teaching Elementary Change Ringing course run by Judith Frye. The delegates were of mixed ability including a mentor attending to refresh the subject matter, already accredited teachers for Module 1, and two delegates with no teaching experience at all. Two delegates had only been ringing for 3 years.
The day began with a review of correct handling, followed by an examination of the importance of learning the interdependent foundation skills of listening, bell control and rope sight in order to develop good striking. Delegates practised a variety of fun and informative activities which have been developed in order to teach these skills. Of these, kaleidoscope ringing is an important example used to develop leading, dodging and place making. Many ringers are never formally taught any method theory, so the importance of this was emphasised, as was the need for planning and how to structure the sequence of learning into small, enjoyable and achievable steps.
After a well-earned lunch break, the focus was switched to developing the delegates’ teaching skills. Various coaching techniques were explored, including the need to involve the learners in their own learning. Next, effective leadership was considered and methods to manage successful ringing practices developed.
Finally, the learning for the day was put into practice. Each delegate was given a method with which they were unfamiliar. They were tasked to explain the method to the rest of the group, select the band and helpers according to their abilities, then guide the ringing. All this in 7 minutes each!
A fun, but packed day was had by all. The delegates were sent back to their own towers filled with enthusiasm and new knowledge. Their next steps are to pass the online theory test and begin the process of teaching ringers in order to become accredited Learning the Ropes Teachers. Delegates have 2 years to achieve accreditation.
The group thanked Judith for her inspirational and enthusiastic teaching.
If you are offered the opportunity to attend an ART Teacher training scheme course, the course participants strongly recommend that you take advantage of it in order to further progress recruitment, retention and progress of new ringers.
Chris Lamb
Course Tutor: Judith Frye
Teaching Elementary Change Ringing
Learn how to teach the skills of change ringing.