Instructional Abilities Flashcards

An ADI is teaching a complete beginner their first lesson. What should the lesson cover?

Answer: Cockpit drill (DSSSM — Doors, Seat, Steering, Seatbelt, Mirrors), basic controls explanation, and moving off and stopping in a safe, quiet environment

A first lesson should cover the cockpit drill (DSSSM), an explanation of the main controls (clutch, brake, accelerator, gears, steering, handbrake), and basic moving off and stopping exercises in a quiet, safe area. This builds foundational skills in a low-pressure environment.

What is the 'GROW' model and how can an ADI use it?

Answer: A coaching framework: Goal (what do you want to achieve?), Reality (where are you now?), Options (what could you do?), Will (what will you do?) — used to structure reflective conversations with learners

The GROW model is a widely-used coaching framework. Goal: establish what the learner wants to achieve. Reality: assess the current situation and ability. Options: explore different approaches and strategies. Will/Way forward: agree on specific actions. It structures productive learning conversations.

How should an ADI manage risk during a driving lesson?

Answer: Continuously assess the level of risk through observation, use verbal intervention early, position the dual controls for immediate use if needed, and choose appropriate routes for the learner's ability level

Risk management is continuous during a driving lesson. The ADI should observe the road environment and learner's actions, use verbal prompts to guide the learner before situations become dangerous, have hands positioned near dual controls when risk is elevated, and select routes appropriate to the learner's competence.

A learner repeatedly makes the same mistake despite the ADI's explanations. What should the ADI consider?

Answer: Whether their teaching method suits this learner's learning style, whether the task needs to be broken into smaller steps, or whether an underlying issue (such as anxiety or misunderstanding) needs to be addressed

Repeated errors suggest the teaching approach may not suit the learner. The ADI should consider: using a different explanation or demonstration, breaking the skill into smaller steps, checking for underlying misunderstandings, adapting to the learner's preferred learning style (visual, auditory, kinaesthetic), and addressing any anxiety.

What are the three main learning styles an ADI should be aware of?

Answer: Visual (learning by seeing), auditory (learning by hearing), and kinaesthetic (learning by doing) — effective instruction uses a combination of all three

The three main learning styles are: visual (diagrams, demonstrations, watching), auditory (verbal explanations, discussions), and kinaesthetic (hands-on practice, learning by doing). While most people use a blend, understanding dominant styles helps ADIs tailor their instruction for maximum effectiveness.

During a lesson, an ADI needs to take control of the vehicle using dual controls. How should this be handled afterwards?

Answer: Stop in a safe place, explain why the intervention was necessary, discuss what happened calmly, use it as a learning opportunity, and rebuild the learner's confidence before continuing

After using dual controls, the ADI should find a safe place to stop, explain calmly why the intervention was necessary, discuss what happened and what the learner could do differently, use it as a learning opportunity, and reassure the learner before continuing. This maintains trust and turns the incident into learning.