I would also question whether a one to one mentor is what is needed or whether small group learning sessions, away from ringing time, — Lucy Chandhial
One possible option would be to have access to the church or church hall for up to an hour before a district practice so that people could meet and find a quiet place to talk but still in a defined space with other ringers around them. — Lucy Chandhial
One to one mentoring already happens, informally or formally, so I’m surprised by the suggestion that it’s not needed. — John Harrison
It depends a lot on what you are aiming to achieve but in our district we find training sessions which include a theory session are well received (sometimes on zoom and sometimes in the tower before ringing starts). — Lucy Chandhial
I’m not aware of group mentoring outside of courses, but it could offer the benefits that come from shared learning. It could also be easier to match the numbers of available mentors to those needing mentoring. — John Harrison
With such obvious benefits I wonder why it is so rare. — John Harrison
To have a simulator installed suggests the tower has an interest in teaching beyond just regular practice nights — John de Overa
I think I’m saying that an open culture where everyone feels able to offer advice, and everyone listens to advice which is offered (not necessarily the same as accepting it!) is what we really need. — Richard Pargeter
Two thoughts, come to mind in relation to this, suggesting that individual mentors may not be the ideal answer.
First was a recent experience training for the RoSPA advanced, driving test. I was given a very nice and entirely competent tutor who just didn’t work for me. He was far too nice, telling me how good I was, but failing to pick up on issues I needed to improve on. Fortunately I was able to change tutors, but it was not an easy situation for a while. — Richard Pargeter
So, in summary, I think I’m saying that an open culture where everyone feels able to offer advice, and everyone listens to advice which is offered (not necessarily the same as accepting it!) is what we really need. — Richard Pargeter
being able to talk through points slowly, being able to judge if I am getting my message across and trying different ways of explaining points is more effective than the real-time comments that learners normally get from someone standing behind them — Paul Wotton
I run mid-week daytime improvers group sessions, I am sure like many others do. These are aimed at mature learners and utilises a branch ringing centre with simulator facilities. — Paul Wotton
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