In this blog from Tom Ingram (Owner of BIG TOM Driving School) he discusses the importance of driving instructor – pupil working relationships that nurture hope.
The effectiveness of a learning environment comes down to the level of engagement with the pupil. If whatever is being learnt does not “mean” anything to the pupil, then quite simply it is not being learnt. In the driving training industry this point is often overlooked where trainers mistake a pupil’s willingness to “obey” to instruction as learning – it is not, it is just that, compliance. Humans are too complex by nature to assume that just because they momentarily comply with the desires of a driving instructor they are learning road safety skills and techniques.
There are many variables that affect driving behaviour and it is very important that a driving instructor does everything possible to tap into the potential influencers of driving behaviour when they work with a pupil. In the driving instructor training that I provide, emphasis is placed on the important cognitive aspect of intentional v non-intentional behaviours.
Likewise, there are many variables that will affect a working relationship between driving instructor and pupil. Open, honest and clear communication based on mutual respect is absolutely essential. Pupils will come in to the process of learning to drive at different levels of previous experience, knowledge and skills. They bring with them their own specific needs and potential barriers to learning. It should be the duty of any professional driving instructor to do anything and everything possible to align with the hopes and desires of their pupils whilst also constructively assisting with any issues relating to anxiety or character traits that might affect learning outcomes. Victoria McGeer speaks beautifully on this subject here.
The message I would want to give my customers is that what the BIG TOM intensive driving course provides you with is opportunity. You are given choices of engaging in online Q&A group sessions like we did yesterday, driving videos, internal reflection, self-evaluation and much more. It is ultimately the choice of the pupil as to how much they engage. But they are not alone. They are not fighting a lone battle. It is massively important that any pupil can sense that they are being supported and offered a meaningful, effective learning experience that is based around positivity rather than criticism.
BIG TOM Driving School Enquiries: Admin@BIGTOM.org.uk Sales: 07756 071 464
