Strategy for effective learning

Whether this is a good thing or not, the fact is that the method by which driving instructors facilitate learning differs greatly.  At its worse the instructor will bark out commands for the pupil to obey, and they will feedback their criticisms regarding driving faults either instantly….. repeatedly, or perhaps prefer the approach of banking them up for one almighty great demoraliser that ensures the pupil is under no illusions about who makes who cry in the car.

However, in accordance to our driving standards, they ensure that all driving instructors comply to the explicit structure given.  It is an approach that is built on open communication, flexibility, boundaries that facilitate safety and learning, and last but not least, clarity.

A pupil has every right to know how you go about your business; it involves and affects them.  They should be made aware of this from the moment they contact you.  The kind of detail that they should be told IN ADVANCE about includes:

How you go about setting a “curriculum”

What means you have of adapting the plan to accommodate the specific needs of a pupil.

How you go about providing feedback to pupils.  The method and the timing.

The methods by which a pupil can give instant feedback regarding the learning experience and formally complain about the experience they have received.

The options you have available to address all 4 levels of the GDE matrix.

The expected behaviour of pupil and instructor within the learning environment and how the structure of the training session can cater for individual needs.

How the phases of “training” and “assessment” can be used effectively in a learning process.

What measures are in place to assist a pupil to improve standards if they require assistance post-course or post-test.

How external influencers can affect pupils’ attitudes to the learning process.

The reason that this is so important within the working relationship of the pupil and instructor is because it is built on transparency, respect and honesty.  This is a crucial element to the relationships that my driving school builds with customers and it is absolutely essential that a customer has the right and ability to immediately cease in-car training that they feel is not effective for them.  Driving instructors within the BIG TOM franchise are trained in formulating effective strategies for learning.

I am happy to assist any PDI on the subject of these blogs - 07894 262 718  http://drivinginstructortraining.bigtom.org.uk/