I was at this event and I have to say from my point of view it was an excellent forum, even if some of us came away with more questions than answers.  All clubs are different, no-one experinces the same response, but everyone has the same concern about teaching, and the same passion for wanting others to play Bridge.

I've just returned form the Teachers' Conference in Franklin, enthused and encouraged by the ideas and practical strategies presented and discussed there, for teaching and retaining new members.

Of the many resources mentioned, and a new one for me,  was this Teaching Forum.  This seems an ideal opportunity for teachers to share ideas, query 'how to ....?', ask for advice, make suggestions, and get feedback from peers, and thus generally feel part of a community of teachers.

Like our students, we are a disparate group. Some have taught Bridge for a year or so, while others have many years under their belt;  some are currently ranked as a Junior, some Intermediate, and some are Open;  some learnt just a few years ago, and others have learnt wellback in the last century!   And I expect we have different motivations for teaching - ranging from being asked to do the teaching, to volunteering from a wish to pass on their enthusiasm and enjoyment of Bridge.   And then there are our different teaching styles.  One of the very useful sessions for me was about Teaching Adults, and I hope a summary of these will be posted on this Forum.

Like the other resources NZBridge have already provided, these are suggestions, and it is up to each of us whether or not we use them, adapt them,  question them, add to them -  all with the aim of improving our own teaching methods (or our 'helping others learn' methods)

Thank you Richard and team for a very useful (and enjoyable) weekend.

Helen Robinson