SmART Ringer

As an Assessor: I have recently assessed both a Teacher and supporting mentor together and I need to submit both their ‘Recommendations for Accreditation’ through SmART Ringer, but how do I do this?

Firstly: Please make sure that the supporting mentor understands that you are making the recommendations for both of them. As of 1 January 2020 it is no longer possible for mentors to submit accreditation recommendations for any of the ART Modules. [the FAQ here also refers]). You should also ask them both to confirm that they have […]

As an Assessor: If I am making a ‘Recommendation for Accreditation’ what should I do if it is clear that the Teacher has been actively and effectively supported by a mentor or co-teacher, or what if it is not clear that the involvement of a mentor/co-teacher has been active and effective?

If a third person has been working with the subject Teacher whilst on their own pathway to accreditation (i.e. as a co-teacher also on the ‘teaching’ pathway to accreditation, or as a mentor on the ‘mentoring’ pathway to accreditation), and it is clear that that person has been actively and effectively involved in supporting the […]

As an Assessor: What do I need to know about mentors self-submitting their own ‘Recommendation for Accreditation’?

This is no longer possible for any of the three Modules. As of 1 January 2020 only an independent Assessor can submit accreditation recommendations. Previous procedures allowing a mentor to submit their Teacher’s ‘Recommendation for Accreditation’ and self-submit their own ‘Recommendation for Accreditation’ have been removed to avoid submission duplications from Assessors and mentors, to simplify procedures […]

As an Assessor: I’m due to undertake an assessed lesson for someone who has attended a M2F Day Course, been teaching M2F content and is now seeking accreditation for M2F. However, if I am able to observe this person competently teaching ‘method-ringing’ exercises should the accreditation be for M2C rather than M2F?

No. Both M2F and M2C aim to develop the same teaching abilities (i.e. planning, reviewing, explaining theory, observing, giving feedback, showing flexibility … etc.) regardless of the level of change-ringing being taught. Therefore, the specific assessment criteria are the same for both M2F and M2C (see the Guidance Notes under ‘Further Information’ below) and it […]

As an Assessor: I’m due to undertake an assessed lesson for someone who has attended a M2C Day Course, been teaching M2C content and is now seeking accreditation for M2C. However, if I am only able to observe this person competently teaching ‘foundation skills’ exercises should the accreditation be for M2F rather than M2C?

As an Assessor: I am also recognised by ART as a mentor. Can I complete an assessment for one of my own mentees?

No. The assessed lesson was introduced to the accreditation pathway as an important part of ensuring training standards and consistency. Therefore, it is essential that the Assessor is independent from the mentor. To find an independent Assessor you should use the list of ART Assessors (follow the link to ‘Contact Assessors’ on the Manage Teachers and […]

As an Assessor: I’m due to assess a Teacher who has taken a pupil through all the stages of Module 1 (Teaching Bell Handling), but this particular pupil is no longer ringing with this Teacher. How can I assess the Teacher when this pupil is not now available?

Rather than focussing on any particular pupil or handling exercise, the assessment should focus on the Teacher’s ability to: plan, review, demonstrate, explain, observe, give feedback, and show flexibility. Therefore, for the Module 1 (Teaching Bell Handling) assessment the Teacher can use any suitable ringer as a ‘pupil’ including, for example: any learner registered with […]

As an Assessor: My personal copy of the Teacher Training Logbook is quite old, how can I check that I am using the latest version?

You can download a copy of the latest Teacher Training Logbook from SmART Ringer – click ‘Continue to Resource’ on the page that follows: here.

As an Assessor: Do I need to remember that there are different accreditation submission forms for M1, M2F and M2C?

Yes, you do. When submitting a recommendation for accreditation please remember that there are three different on-line forms (one for M1, one for M2F and one for M2C), so it is advisable to make a final check that the correct form is being used before the submission. If you realise that a mistake has been […]

As an Assessor: What support is available from ART to help me in my role as an Assessor?

ART aims to provide as much support as possible through this SmART Ringer website. For ART Assessors this includes: Resources specifically aimed at supporting ART Assessors, which can be accessed (by ART Assessors) as follows: Log In to your personal SmART Ringer account At your personal Programmes Home page: Click the link “Assessors Resources” (beneath the […]

As an Assessor: Where do I record a ‘not quite ready yet to be fully accredited’ with constructive feedback that is visible to the Teacher concerned?

Assessors should always use the latest ‘Guidance Notes for Assessors’ (separate documents for M1, M2F and M2C – see the links under ‘Further Information’ below). These notes ensure that you remain up-to-date with any changes and enable you to record the details of any assessment, with comments aligned to the assessment criteria. Any details and/or […]

As an Assessor: I have assessed a number of people at a single session and now need to recommend their accreditation through SmART Ringer. Can I enter multiple Teachers on a single ‘Recommendation for Accreditation’ form?

Please don’t! The SmART Ringer system cannot handle the form correctly if recommendations are made for multiple persons on one form. Therefore, please submit the details for each individual recommendation on a separate form (remembering to use the Comments space on the form to record if the person being submitted is a mentor rather than […]

As an Assessor: How do I submit an accreditation recommendation for someone who is registered on SmART Ringer as a mentor but who has taken the ‘teaching route’ by teaching someone directly themselves?

There is no separate system or form for submitting a mentor, so just complete the recommendation by listing this person on the SmART Ringer form as the Teacher with yourself as the Assessor. This could also apply if two or more people have been co-teaching in a group situation where one is listed as a […]

As an Assessor: What am I really assessing for ART Modules M2F or M2C?

M2F and M2C are designed for Teachers/bands with different ringing abilities/aspirations, but both are essentially about a Teacher’s ability to: plan and run a practice or ringing session; adapt when things change; develop the skills of ringers by motivating, using goals, and appropriate exercises; and use variety to maintain interest during skill development, thus making […]

As an Assessor: My personal ART accreditation was a while ago, before Module 2 split into M2F and M2C. Can I assess Teachers for these newer modules?

Yes. The earlier Module 2 encompassed both foundation skills and early method ringing as part of the Day Course and you have experienced the same principles that are covered in the newer system. Further Information See also the FAQ: What’s the difference between Module 2F and Module 2C? As an Assessor: What am I really […]

As an Assessor: Following a successful assessment, should I expect the mentor to submit the Teacher’s ‘Recommendation for Accreditation’ via SmART Ringer, or is this my responsibility?

From 1 January 2020: For all Modules: Only an independent Assessor can submit the ‘Recommendation for Accreditation’. It is therefore part of the responsibility of the Assessor’s role to complete procedures by ensuring that this happens. Previous procedures allowing a mentor to submit their Teacher’s ‘Recommendation for Accreditation’ and self-submit their own ‘Recommendation for Accreditation’ have been […]

As an Assessor: The Teacher that I have just assessed had good bell handling, but the ringer being taught had handling faults. Does this mean that the Teacher should fail the assessment?

No. The assessment is not about the abilities of the ringer being taught, it is about the ability of the Teacher to identify faults and help the ringer improve (i.e. the Teacher’s ability to: plan, review, demonstrate, explain, observe, give feedback, and show flexibility).

As an Assessor: Can I accredit a Teacher for both M2F and M2C?

Yes, this is acceptable provided that the person concerned has attended both M2F and M2C Day Courses and that there are two separate assessments. Note: A half-day ‘top-up’ course is to be introduced for Teachers who have attended a M2F Day Course in the past and wish to follow this up with M2C.

As an Assessor: Should I be assessing the Teacher’s ability to meet the entry requirements for the relevant Day Course (e.g. for an M2C assessment: their ability to ring Plain Bob Minor on an inside bell)?

No. Day Course entry requirements have been established solely to ensure that delegates are reasonably capable of participating in the practical exercises during the Day Course. You do not need to ‘test’ whether the Teacher being assessed (or the ringers being taught) can ring to any particular standard as part of the assessment. The assessment […]

As an Assessor: How do I claim my expenses for travelling to/from an assessment?

To claim your expenses for travelling to/from an assessment please download, complete and submit the Expenses Claim Form direct to the ART Treasurer: treasurer@bellringing.org

As an Assessor: Is it my responsibility to check that the Teacher being assessed is still within the two-year period for completing accreditation since starting the relevant Module?

No, it isn’t, but reminding the Teacher and Mentor of this requirement may help support the ART Training Scheme’s regulations. Further Information See also the FAQ: “How long do I have to complete my accreditation?”

As an Assessor: I’m due to assess a Teacher who has taken a pupil through all the stages of Module 1 (Teaching Bell Handling). But, how can I observe and question her on handling when this particular pupil is now ringing competently in rounds?

Rather than focussing on any particular pupil or handling exercise, the assessment should focus on the Teacher’s ability to: plan, review, demonstrate, explain, observe, give feedback, and show flexibility. Therefore, for the Module 1 (Teaching Bell Handling) assessment, the Teacher can use any suitable ringer as a ‘pupil’ including, for example: any learner registered with […]

As an Assessor: Will successfully assessed/accredited Teachers be listed as part of my SmART Ringer profile?

No. Teachers who pass your assessment and go on to accredit won’t be listed in the ‘Manage Teachers’ page of your SmART Ringer profile, they will remain listed with their mentor. You will only have listed those Teachers that you are mentoring.

As an Assessor: Can I see a Teacher’s SmART Ringer profile ahead of an assessed lesson?

You do not have to check a Teacher’s SmART Ringer profile either ahead, or as part of, an assessed lesson. But if you find that it is necessary clarify or confirm specific detail as part of helping the Teacher towards accreditation (for example: if they are not sure whether they have completed the Membership Declaration, […]

As an Assessor: Should I check that the Teacher has completed the Membership Declaration and relevant theory test ahead of the assessed lesson?

Ideally the assessment should be the final step in the accreditation process, which should then lead automatically to three months free ART membership, but accreditation cannot be achieved if the Membership Declaration or relevant theory test remains outstanding. Therefore, whilst the Assessor is not responsible for confirming completion of these important steps, you may wish […]