I'm not listening to you

Some pupils find receiving feedback challenging.  It may have to do with their upbringing or perhaps experiences at school or work. It may even be related to learning difficulties that they may be prepared to share with you.  It is true that some people in positions of authority do abuse the power they have.  The feedback that these people give amounts to not much more than bullying. I talk from experience when I say you do not forget these people when they bully you - the effects can be long-lasting.

And so as a newly qualified driving instructor, try not to fall into the very understandable trap of assuming all pupils will be welcome of your feedback.  
For sure there will be some pupils who will hold on to every word you say.  They don't question it for a moment but busy themselves working on the feedback straight away.  Just because these pupils may be quiet, it does NOT mean they are ignoring your feedback.

The more challenging pupils who hear what you say, but can't seem to get beyond the first barrier of effective communications are the more testing of your working relationship.  These pupils may not even be listening to what you say.  As unbelievable as that may seem, it is true.  They are paying you for your service (or perhaps their parents are), and yet they are wilfully not listening to the feedback you give them.

This is where systems come in handy in the BIG TOM Driving School Franchise.  There are normally consequences when pupils fail to take on feedback from driving instructors.  It may result in unsafe situations developing, lack of progress, a hostile in-car environment.  The beauty of having systems in place to tackle these situations is that it takes the emotion out of the situation.  Less experienced driving instructors can be quite offended by a pupil who is not listening to them.  They can sometimes perceive this as a 'battle of wills' which in my experience, should be avoided.  By having systems in place, it helps to ensure the learning environment remains on point, emotionless and constructive.  

Driving Instructor Reactions

There is a range of skills required as a driving instructor.  The fine art of testing learning by the use of effective Q&A for example; not forgetting "1,2,3,4, I can pause a little more", silence after asking a question.  And reacting to incidents such as shown in the above video.  Dealing with the immediate threat posed by the crossing vehicle is one thing, but also bear in mind how your pupil might react.

If you think you have what it takes, do get in touch, join the BIG TOM Driving School Franchise 0800 689 4174