Beginning January 2026, the Mahj Life Instructor Guild Assembly will transition from a presentation-driven format to a participation-focused model that centers on dialogue, applied learning, and peer connection.
Each monthly session will now use an interactive format—including Q&A Clinics, Peer Labs, Roundtables, Story Swaps, and Community Showcases—designed to spark progress, foster shared insight, and cultivate meaningful change across all instructor experience levels.
Purpose Behind the Change
This shift reflects the evolving needs of our growing community. The revised format is designed to:
- Promote collaborative learning across all levels of experience
- Encourage participation, peer connection, and professional reflection
- Preserve the quarterly curriculum while varying delivery methods
- Create space for instructor voices through inclusive facilitation
By reducing passive content delivery and increasing engagement, we’re aligning the Assembly more closely with the Guild’s long-term goals of leadership development, teaching excellence, and community strengthening.
Implementation Notes
- The first Assembly under the new format will launch in January 2026
- All monthly topics through 2030 have been selected, organized by quarterly themes: Rules, Teaching, Marketing, and Community
- Each session includes a facilitator guide with:
- What It Means / In Mah Jongg Terms
- Facilitator talking points
- Discussion and scenario prompts
- Reflection or action step
Sessions are currently led by Michele Frizzell, with a facilitator onboarding kit prepared in anticipation of scaling leadership as the Guild grows.
Formats
| Format | Talking Points | Prompts | Reflections |
| Live Demonstration Real-time teaching of a skill or concept; interactive or observational (e.g., teaching methods, rule clarifications) | Briefly explain what will be demonstrated and why it’s useful. Encourage attendees to jot down observations and questions. | What did you notice about how the instructor introduced or clarified key points? How might you adapt this approach for your students? | What would you like to try from this demo in your own lessons? What variations could work better for your group or teaching style? |
| Panel Discussion 2–3 instructors share stories and field questions (e.g., community & connection, marketing examples) | Introduce panelists and set expectations for timing and audience Q&A. Ask each panelist to share a quick story or tip to start | What was a highlight or ‘aha moment’ in your experience? What would you do differently if you did it again? | What patterns or themes did you notice across panelists? Which story most resonated with you and why? |
| Peer Lab or Tech Lab Members try something live (e.g., Marketing, teaching tools – draft a flyer, write a class description) | Describe the goal of the lab and what the final outcome might look like. Emphasize experimentation over perfection. | What’s one thing you’ve created (flyer, class description, etc.) you’d be willing to share? What’s one part you’d like help improving? | What feedback did you receive that gave you clarity or confidence? What small revision could you make to improve your work? |
| Roundtable Discussion Guided conversation with prompts in breakout groups or full group (e.g., classroom challenges, rule conflicts) | Explain the topic and encourage equal sharing. Offer a personal story or lesson learned to model openness. | What challenges have you experienced in this area? What worked for you when you tried something new? | What is one new idea you want to try based on today’s discussion? What advice would you offer a newer instructor about this topic? |
| Q&A Clinic Pre-collected or live questions with expert responses (e.g., rules, mixed-level teaching, accessibility) | Introduce the topic and frame the session as supportive and collaborative. Share a brief example of a commonly asked question to get things started. | What questions have come up recently at your table? What do you still find confusing or tricky to explain? | Which questions surprised you or made you think differently about the rules? How would you explain one of today’s answers to a new player? |
| Story Swap or Showcase Members share experiences, tools, or success stories (e.g., community, outreach, lesson planning) | Invite volunteers to share brief stories, examples, or tools. Keep the tone celebratory and encouraging. | What inspired you or made you smile during today’s share? What’s one thing you’d like to borrow or adapt? | How can you build this kind of spirit in your local community? What would you bring to share at a future showcase? |
The Assembly reflects the Guild’s identity as a constructive, collaborative, and transformative space for growth and leadership.
