Coaching Questions Of A Driving Instructor
In addition to our four stages of coaching (Goal, Reality, Options, Way Forward) shall we delve a little deeper into Coaching Questions Of A Driving Instructor?
A combination of asking the right question at the correct time can help shift a one way interrogation into a dynamic learning session which allows the conversation to productively evolve.
A question can not only compel attention for an answer but also focus attention for precision and open up a two way feedback loop.
The right question perfectly timed has the power to stop a learner driver in their tracks and allow them to see things from different perspectives.
Seeing a problem or a goal through someone else’s eyes could help them develop a wider range of options to choose from.
Mindset – Coaching Questions Of A Driving Instructor
To begin with before we can help guide a learner driver using questions we must first know where we are. Just firing off questions left right and chelsea may hit the right spot on occasion but there may be a more efficient way of going about things.
To put myself in the mind sett I’ve always like to think of the coaches role as the safety net for the learner. They think of you as google to search out the answers but only when all other options have been exhausted.
If we can understand why we ask questions (or the motives behind them) then we will no doubt become more effective as a driving coach.
The Main Reasons We Ask Questions
Here’s the main 15 reasons we could find that we may ask questions.
- Acquiring Knowledge
- To eliminate confusion
- Making other people feel special or important
- Guiding conversations the way we want them to go
- Demonstrating humility to another person
- To help another person discover answers for themself
- Understanding someone else’s view to gain empathy
- Altering or influencing someone else’s viewpoint
- To begin a relationship
- Strengthening a relationship
- Showing we have knowledge of a particular topic
- Stimulating creativity
- Gaining a person’s attention
- Solving problems
- Reaching an agreement or agreeing to disagree with clarity
When Should We Ask Coaching Questions Of A Driving Instructor
In Coaching Questions Of A Driving Instructor let’s have a look when you may use them during a driving lesson.
- To build rapport on a lesson. This may be used at the start on the first lesson more than any other time.
- When we reflect. This could be after a learning trigger. Positive or negative, but when your stopped and it’s safe to debate something.
- Setting goals. Usually towards the beginning of a lesson but can also be during if goals change or evolve.
- During explanations or discussions. Briefing students or checking knowledge.
- When practicing.
- To prompt or remind. This could be on the move after a discussion. (also known as remedial action in the past).
- When developing skills. We may find a way to dig deeper, helping the learner to get a better understanding of things.
- Getting perspectives or different reality’s of other drivers.
- Confirming how we feel or the learner drivers feelings.
- Throughout a feedback session.
Open, Closed and Leading Questions
It’s also important to realise the different types of questions and when best for each style. The three main types are (1) Open Questions, (2) Closed Questions, (3) Leading Questions.
Let’s have a little look below and see when each style comes in useful in the context of a driving lesson.
(1) Open Questions
Open questions are most favoured in the coaching approach to education. If your really wanting to help your learner driver to make responsible decisions as an equal participant in the session then this is the way forward.
Open questions have no specific right or wrong answer but allow the learner to open up and show you and themselves who they really are.
Open questions are only ever going to work if the student is 100% sure you will not judge their answer or push back against with your own views or reality.
Here’s an example of some open questions to help get you going.
- What risks can you see ahead
- Name 3 hazards you can see in the distance
- What are the most important aspects of being a safe driver
- What route is the quickest from A to B
- Tell me your biggest fear when driving
- What do you love most about your lessons
- How can you improve on your driving
Notice that all the questions allow the learner to give their opinion or reality of a situation.
(2) Closed Questions
Although we favour open questions there are still plenty of times on a driving lesson when a closed question will be more suited. Imagine this – you’re keeping an eye on things as your student is driving down a busy high street.
Which question is going to grab their attention and take control more effectively if a safety critical incident does arise.
- What hazards can you see ahead ? (Open Question)
- Can you see the pedestrian in the middle if the road? (Closed Question)
So you see a closed question may be needed if an instructor has to take charge for whatever reason to help keep things safe.
(3) Leading Question
I Guess leading questions can kind of be thought of as middle ground between open and closed. The student may be struggling to work out an answer for themselves but before we hand it to them on a plate we may be able to give them a shove in the right direction first.
Examples of leading questions could be –
- Have a think of the speed on approach to that junction. Do you think it was too fast?
- Would the visibility at a junction affect the speed we approach the turn?
- Why would looking as far ahead as possible benefit us as a driver?
- If there’s nobody around that would benefit us using an indicator signal what’s the advantages of not using it to us?
Coaching Questions Of A Driving Instructor – Are You Ready
Like anything it’s just trial and error starting new techniques, approaches or different material on lessons. The main thing is that we’re always learning and not staying stagnant with what we do.
When I start to try something new I remember back to the early days on a pink licence when everything was new. Some things worked some didn’t but that’s what made it fun.
We would love to hear if you have any other questions you like to use when out on your lessons so please feel free to leave a comment in the section below.
