Driving instructor development

BF Skinner is quoted as saying: "It has often been remarked that an educated man has probably forgotten most of the facts he acquired in school and university.  Education is what survives when what has been learned has been forgotten."

It raises the question of how important is it for a newly qualified driver to remember the techniques in their driving training?

Do motor skills tend to 'stick' better than cognitive skills?
How much do attitudes and beliefs have a bearing on the retention of driving skills?
Which techniques can be used to improve longer-term learning?
How good is the driving test at assessing drivers habitual driving techniques?

When driving instructors are 'teaching' learner drivers, are they tapping into rich mindfulness techniques; helping their pupils to develop a growth mindset?

It is very easy to tell by the way.  One only needs to observe who is at the heart of the working relationship between pupil and instructor.  If I see an instructor who is displaying behaviours of disappointment, frustration and irritation of pupils' driving behaviours, "judgement" is a key component of their learning environment.

'Scaffolding' is a technique often used to bolster motivation and success in driving training here at BIG TOM.  It creates an environment of learning that is safe, constructive and positive.  It is not intended to be utilised permanently or to lessen challenge for our pupils.  Indeed, we should never shy away from the possibility of making mistakes - this is equally true for ourselves as driving instructors as much as it is for our pupils.

You might be mindful that when a pupil who is working away very hard with effort, it does not, in itself, make for positive outcomes.  It is our role to facilitate the development of learning in our pupils by creating an open, purposeful dialogue that is guiding and supportive.  To do this, BIG TOM Driving School Franchise has a culture of improving knowledge and understanding by utilising up to date, professional resources for driving instructor franchisees.