classroom skills.

Part of the training involves helping to steer youngsters away from drugs and alcohol.

And it is also hoped to make the classroom a more inspiring place to learn.

The Lions-Quest Life Skills workshops kicked off yesterday at Sonesta Beach Hotel.

Up to 37 people were there, including Primary Seven teachers, parents, counsellors, and Lions Club representatives.

The three-day workshops for teachers of Lions-Quest programmes are run by Dr.

Ted Coleman, an American education consultant and senior training officer with Quest International.

Permanent Education Secretary Dr. Marion Robinson opened the first session on Monday morning.

The venture is a combined effort by the Education Ministry and the Lions movement.

Dr. Robinson told The Royal Gazette the Life Skills programme was started in Bermuda in 1986 at the secondary level.

It was introduced to Primary Seven level last year, and has now been expanded.

This year Primary One and Two classes have also been included.

Dr. Robinson said one aim was to improve the climate in a classroom by focusing on the good in students.

Youngsters who feel good about themselves are more likely to learn, she added.

Senior education officer for Student Services Mrs. Joeann Smith explained the purpose of the workshops.

"It helps teachers to look at the instruction strategies they use with students and helps to improve on them.'' She said teachers picked up new classroom skills to help students make "informed decisions'' about life.

"There is also a very strong drug prevention component which teachers will review.'' The workshops aimed to encourage teachers to share information and tips on teaching, she added.

Mrs. Smith said the programme had proved very successful in previous years.

Last year many teachers took part and enjoyed the experience.

"They enjoyed the opportunity to review their instruction strategies, and in addition were excited about being prepared to go out and share this programme with their students.'' Mrs. Smith said a refresher course would be held on Friday for last year's participants.

Dr. Coleman said the workshops targeted teachers of 10 to 14-year-olds.

The aim was to unite schools, families, and the community for "positive youth development''.

Dr. Coleman said teachers completing the workshops would receive certificates.

"They can get graduate level credits,'' he added.

In a study of teachers, it was found 91 percent who attended such workshops had "renewed energy and purpose for teaching''.

When The Royal Gazette yesterday listened in to the start of yesterday's opening workshop, the participants were having an "ice-breaking'' session to help them get to know each other.

Dr. Coleman said people gained more from the workshops by relaxing, and feeling free to speak to each other.