Train-the-Trainer

Everyone has their own way of learning and when training, the English language is a wonderful tool you can use to help with this. If saying something one way doesn’t work then try another, and another… and another! Keep going until you find those special words that click with who you are training.

It is your job to make the students’ learning experience as easy & smooth as possible. They shouldn’t have to wade through a river of incomprehensible jargon to get there.

When you start training, you and your ringing style become a role model. Whether you like it or not, people will be looking at your style and learning from what they see. It is very important to take a look in the mirror and to analysis exactly what it is you actually do with the rope.

Some are relatively minor faults such as sliding slightly when catching the sally. Others are more serious such as not getting your right-hand (left-hand if you are a left-handed ringer) straight onto the tail end which hampers your ability to move up/down the tail end effectively – otherwise known as a penguin!

Below is summary of an article written by Pip Penney about the recent developments in coaching:

10 Tips for Successful Coaching

  1. Set your learners’ needs first (not your own). People want to participate, have fun and demonstrate their skills.
  2. Build good accurate foundations skills (style, bell control, listening skills, striking skills and understanding of ringing theory).
  3. Hold up the idea that it is enjoyable. Practice time should be fun.
  4. Remember, learners who do not derive enjoyment as well as improvement from practices are unlikely to return for many more.
  5. Have infinite patience, especially with the slower learner.
  6. Discuss with your learner their ambitions and targets. Short term, more easily attainable goals set with your learner will help prevent him from becoming disheartened. When goals are achieved set new ones.
  7. Never criticise. Give honest realistic feedback in a positive and helpful manner.
  8. Do not show favouritism to any learner.
  9. Advise learners not to fear mistakes. Mistakes are not failures they are an essential part of the learning process.
  10. Add an extra dimension to maintain enthusiasm such as outings, courses, lectures, social events and even going down the pub.

For more information, please read the rest of the article (provided by cccbr.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/recentdevelopmentsincoaching.pdf): Recent Developments in Coaching – Pip Penney.

If you would like more help then the following articles are also useful: