Learner Course Reflections - monitoring (words)

So this progress sheet (below blog) was emailed to my learner today.  Just to confirm, this is a learner that has never driven before at all.  She has no experience of scooters, motor bikes, not even ridden a bike as an adult. 

She has had an introductory lesson, and lesson 1 which was moving off.

Previously, I have mentioned this progress record sheet.  I have explained to her that either she can 'own' it or not.  Everything listed on it is what I would like my own boys to learn if they were learning to drive.  It only deals with the physical skills of driving though (commentary driving aside).

Aspects to do with attitudes and responsibilities and more of the important 'mind' considerations have already begun to be drip fed into the course, and will continue to be. 

It seems obvious to me that as trainers we need to be very clear of what our 'advised' syllabus is.  Not everyone will embrace my approach, and I suppose those people will go elsewhere.  But all I can say with certainty is that I explain and provide direction on the 'ideal' approach to learning to drive right from the word go.  I believe this is one of the reasons why people who learn to drive with me, who have never driven before, pass the test with ease.  I can say that with confidence, as, from experience, those people have an over 90% chance of passing the test FIRST TIME with me. 

For sure, I get learners from other instructors and some who do not embrace this approach, but the vast majority of my work, STARTS with a really comprehensive explanation of my approach, normally to a parent of the learner. 

I really, really do see benefits from this approach.  If you care to look at my testimonials on my website, you will see evidence of this.... both from learners and PDI's.  In general terms, the more you allow someone who is learning to control how they learn, then good things result.  The only 'downside' of this approach is that it does rely on really good communications between the trainer and learner.  I cannot emphasise this enough.  It is essential that the relationship between trainer and learner is trustful, honest and open.  Because if it is, then you will have a genuine 2-way interaction.  No longer is it ...... the trainer imparting knowledge and wisdom on the learner, instead it is both parties genuinely learning and developing together.  Not everyone will appreciate this approach, I accept that.  I am more than happy to revert to the more traditional approach if that is what my customer desires. 

For all I know, my learner who is the subject of this blog may decide that she wants me to dictate what we do, when, where, how often and how.  Who knows, that may be the case.  But as has already been shown in the intro and lesson 1 blogs, this is a 'fluid' situation, and I am a firm believer in being 'alive' to that fact, and adapting accordingly. 

The point is, as trainers, we should provide choices, we give a range of tools, and our clients can pick and choose them to suit.  In other words, I ADAPT to the customer, the customer does not ADAPT to me. 

On the subject of self-evaluation, my learner has now been offered video recording of the training sessions for her to view at her leisure, she has been offered the 'recommended syllabus' for her to grade how she is progressing with, she has been directed to specific videos on my site that assist her in knowing what the actual test standard is, so she can compare her ability to it.  I have started giving her printed graphics/text/visuals for recapping what we have done so far, and I will email her after a couple more lessons so she has direct feedback from me of her progress to date.  This all takes time and effort, but in my opinion it cannot be stressed enough, how important it is for someone to know how they are doing, either independently or by someone else. 

She will already know from the 3.5hrs I have had with her, that making mistakes is no bad thing in my book.  She will be building up trust in me, that stalling, or inaccurate steering, or harsh braking is all ok, is all good, as it will be in a safe environment.  That way, she can effectively learn from that experience.  And a variety of experience is what it's all about.  (In a safe environment) I want her to sense that feeling of uneasiness, that feeling of loss of control, or frustration, anger even.  I need her to see right from the early days, that this is half a ton of machinery that demands respect and attention. 

I welcome any feedback or comments from anyone....... wishing you well.