One of the consequences of the nature of our day to day work is that we regularly are exposed to the 'snapshot' framework in which we work with our pupils. Pupils will flit between driving instructors, and even the ones who stay with us for the duration are not long in our company. It is therefore difficult in our business to develop productive relationships. Consider for a moment how this differs with students in schools. Teachers get to know students over the years, literally (and vice-versa).
When we first meet our pupil, we have very little pertinent information about them, and it pays to invest time in getting to know them. In particular, I recommend you establish the appropriate "starting point" in which to initiate your learning programme. You can only accurately do this if you take time to ask questions and watch-ability. In general terms (not wanting to make gross over-simplifications), pupils will under-estimate the task ahead of them when learning to drive; and if they do have previous experience with other instructors, generally, over-estimate their actual ability. This is natural and should come as no surprise to us; in fact, we should expect it.
The reason why I am stressing this particular point though relates to the blog title. "Prior learning" comes in many forms, it does not just relate to if your pupil has taken any driving lessons previously. The activity of driving involves the development of motor and cognitive skills, your pupil may have plenty of previous learning in that regard or very little, but do find out.
If you pay no regard to this point then consider this as a member of the orchestra playing blindfolded; they cannot read their music nor can they see the conductor. Good luck with that!
If for no other reason, do consider this point regarding managing risk. Explaining to your pupil the necessity for you both to maintain safety will inevitably involve a clear understanding between the two of you of their previous learning.
The other reason why I wanted to write this blog for you though relates to the feedback that I have received regarding the recent video trilogy that I have offered you. While you may be inclined to consider the title of this blog in the context of your pupils, don't lose sight of the fact that it is equally related to you. Every single day of your life you have the opportunity to develop your skills as a driving instructor but pay attention to your starting point. No one would expect you to make a miraculous 'lightswitch' step change in personal development; improvement occurs with micro changes in thinking and behaviour towards a given goal.
When you train with me, consider it as learning a language. You are not expected to be fluent in speech and writing within a short time, but utilise the resources there are available to practise key learning every day or week. Because much like our pupils that we help, continued learning occurs when it is placed on a firm footing of previous learning.
Our pupils may regularly come in and out of our working lives, but you (and your career) are here for the long run. Keep your personal goal in mind, aim high and be realistic with timescales but my message relates to the continued memorising and utilising of small tips/techniques that are placed on previous learning. One of the critical obstacles to learning occurs when people attempt to develop, refine, increase learning on a foundation of "nothingness" (no such word of course, but you get my drift I hope).
BIG TOM Driving Instructor Training 0800 689 4174
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