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Teacher Training Programme Perth 2014

My time in Western Australia, in the first week of July this year, started with a one-day Teacher Training Programme at Melville Bridge Club. The week that followed was the result of an ABF  Special Marketing Grant application.

28 people came along to the Teacher Training Programme, on Sunday 29 June. The majority hailed from areas south of Perth. Bunbury was the most highly represented (10 people drove up for the day), led by Jim & Monica Offer, and Peter & Jan Morgan, who have been at the helm of the club for a few years now. Their efforts, which include a modern teaching approach, have resulted in a big increase in membership. Other country areas represented were Busselton, Margaret River,  Mandurah, Bayswater, and Undercroft. Perth clubs were Melville, South Perth, & Bayswater.

The TTP offers a modern approach to bridge teaching, and is based on successful methods that work. It’s relevant for more areas of bridge than simply teaching. “How” to teach is the primary focus.  “What” to teach is important too of course, but if teachers use the best materials, their job is made a lot easier. The discussion was spirited, and I hope teachers embrace the concepts.  As educators, it’s necessary to constantly self-analyse and look for ways to improve teaching styles. This will mean a growth in bridge players – both for the club and the ABF.

 

Workshops in WA June/July

Next stop was South Perth, where Jan Howell had stepped forward to organise two workshops, Improve Your Judgement: Doubles, and Defence: Signals and Counting Hands. Doubles was the most popular topic chosen by many of the clubs I visited. Melville, the next day, had asked for this too.  I believe that people don’t use doubles enough, simply because it never occurs to them to.

That same day I started my journey down south. Sandy Sutton-Mattocks came along to familiarize herself with the local organisers, to whom BAWA will offer assistance.  There was a great turnout at Bunbury that night, where the topic was Opening Leads.
Busselton was next, and Margaret Nixon continues to do a good job in the teaching area there too. Doubles was it again, and in the afternoon, new material on End Plays. It’s exciting to present declarer play topics like this, and find that people are able to play the hands, once the underlying principles are explained

 

The Last Few Days

On our way back to Perth, I gave a workshop on Defensive Signalling at Mandurah. That group, headed by Neville Walker with Doug Hardman, his wife Vera, and Eugene Wickems in the teaching role, was very enthusiastic. That was a busy day, and, (thanks to Sandy and Noel), I then boarded a plane to Kalgoorlie, for a lesson that night.

Pam Moore picked me up, and again, the topic of Doubles was selected. My memory of Kalgoorlie includes my speedy visit to the incredible Super Pit, where all that gold is mined. It’s bigger than I could ever have imagined. Pam was a font of knowledge too.

The week disappeared very quickly. Thanks to all the people who made it so easy for me. Headed by Noel Daniel, they included Robina McConnell, Sandy Sutton-Mattocks, Di Nelson, Monica & Jim Offer, Peter & Jan Morgan, Margaret Nixon, Jan Howell and Pam Moore. I’m hoping to follow up with a Continuing Teacher Education programme next year in Perth.

Please contact me on joan@joanbuttsbridge.com, and check our my new website, joanbuttsbridge.com