Hi this is my weekly instatement on the National Driver & rider standards, ok, let’s explain the second section on how to enable safe and responsible driving, which is explain and demonstrate skills and techniques and coaching.
In the national standard for driver and rider training is states-
Within the learner-centred approach, there is a legitimate role for well delivered explanation and demonstration. This element sets out the standards for this. Instructors should be able to provide clear, realistic and reliable demonstrations of how to apply practical skills- both stationary and moving. They should be able to explain what they are doing and why they are doing it. Having provided such demonstrations, they should then be able to support the learner in practising the skills and give them feedback.
This element assumes that the process of learning practical skills is helped if the learner understands the reasons why a particular skill is necessary.
To do this we should:
1/ Select suitable locations for demonstrations. This means the demonstration should be matched to the learner’s experience or ability. For example, for a trained pupil if you were to demonstrate moving off and stopping on a quiet road that wouldn’t be in line with their learning needs.
2/ The demonstration that you give would to a good safe standard as you could lose credibility with your pupil if you were making lots of mistakes!
3/ When completing a demonstration or explanation of a task, you need to ask questions, so your pupil understands why you are doing it in a particular way. For example, you are slowing down towards a roundabout to give yourself more time to observe road signs/ markings and to judge where the other vehicles are going.
4/ You should be able to link any driving theory shown in driving the essential skills, know your traffic signs, highway code and the national standard for cars and light vans to on-road training.
5/ You as a driving instructor should have an understanding of why you are completing a task in a given matter, so if you pupil asks you why, you can explain your reasoning.
6/ You should know when frequent explanations and demonstrations wouldn’t be suitable for the learning progress of all students. Especially if your learner is a hands-on learner who likes to have a go first and get feedback from themselves or from you the instructor.
Ok, let’s explain the third section which is coach.
The national standard says,” This element is about engaging in a conversation with the learner to help them identify obstacles to learning and strategies for overcoming those obstacles.
Note: it is unlikely that a learner will be willing to engage in this process if a secure grounding has been established in creating a climate that promotes learning.
To do this as an instructor you will need to do the following:
1/ To have a high level of listening skills to the words that your pupil uses when identifying their learning barriers and pick up on their body language as well to identify learning barriers as well.
2/ Get you learner or give the learner assistance in coming up with strategies to overcome their learning barriers. Coping strategies will be needed to allow you to do this.
3/ Transfer the balance of responsibility for their learning process to the learner as soon as they ready to take it. Ultimately, you learner needs to decide for themselves what needs to be worked on and how they need to achieve this, as you won’t be there after they pass the driving test.
4/ Be present when learners are attempting their formal assessments when they want you too (to sit in the back of tests). To help your pupil reflect on the experience of doing a driving test. Also to listen to any feedback what the examiner gives and that your pupil knows and understands what is expected of them. Also to put into place any remedial action when not successful on tests.