- Use the interpersonal chemistry of the ringers, e.g. if there is a good relationship between a learner and a more advanced ringer let that ringer stand with the learner when they are ringing.
- Ask helpers from other towers to come to your practice.
- Take your ringers to other practices or on outings.
- Encourage your learners to go to other practices or on outings, emphasising that this is a good way to make progress.
Is poor striking the problem?
To help the ringers hear more easily:
- Use Kaleidoscope ringing: see Foundation Skills
- Use continuous dodging. Start pairs off one by one e.g. 1/2, 3/4, 5/6 followed by 2/3, 4/5.
- As ringing master take the treble and starting with yourself let each ringer in turn face outwards from the circle so they cannot see the other ropes for a few rounds whilst maintaining the accuracy of their striking.
- Use a simulator. See 10 ways to use a simulator in Foundation Skills
Are the ringers unwilling to learn methods properly?
- Try quizzes to emphasise their lack of knowledge and the level of knowledge expected and required.
- Encourage standing behind during ringing while a more experienced ringer talks to them about the method as they ring.
- An experienced ringer stands behind the learner as they ring and asks pertinent question (as to what piece of work is coming next or where they pass the treble, etc).
Intelligent learners struggling to learn?
- To keep them from becoming bored try getting them to learn to call call changes.
- Use methods from All Change section in which the treble or the two rings very simple work but the ringer is involved in method ringing.
- Get them involved with other aspects of tower life e.g. maintenance or arranging social events.
Experienced ringers not interested in progress. Why?
- Fear of failure?
- Fear of criticism?
- Insufficient confidence to take a challenge?
- Too much work?
- The enjoyment gained through putting the effort in does not compensate enough for the work required?
- They are happy in their comfort zone?
When you have managed to work out their attitude you will be better placed to address the problem. Try ringing different but easy things to develop confidence to progress; methods chosen will vary with the current level of ringing within the band. Not all ringers want to progress, some are content with ringing for Sunday service and you may have to respect this desire.
Experienced ringers who discourage the band from moving forwards:
- Offering new things to ring at a parallel level of ability which can be easily learned will give a sense of achievement. Achievement will improve confidence and lead on to better motivation.
