fbpx

Lesson 3 – Micro coaching

Micro coaching is a term used in “Can Drivers Really Teach Themselves”

Edwards, 2011

Coaching models are not just for a course of lessons or for planning a session. They can be used to have a conversation about a specific situation, and so rather than telling a trainee about what had just happened, the trainer uses a coaching model to get a client to reflect on their performance and come up with a plan for the next time the situation occurs. 

Use of a coaching model can help structure the questions used to encourage the trainee to think about how they can improve their performance.

Let’s take an example of emerging left from a minor road. The student has performed this task many times before in their training regime, with correct identification of the road layout, appropriate planning and approach speed and positioning. The judgement in traffic is good and position in the new road is good, with adequate acceleration levels and relevant mirror checks. The trainer notices a trait appearing in the observation whilst at the give way line, where the student is looking for a long period of time to the right before moving off. The trainer needs to address this and decides to pull the student up on the side of the road for a discussion.

An example of a micro teaching conversation is below:

Trainer: Is there anything you could do to improve your performance when emerging from that last junction?

Student: I thought I did everything you have taught me.

Trainer: Well the approach to the junction was well planned; the position at the give way line was good; so was the mirror use and the judgement from the right when you moved off. Is there anything else you could have managed better there?

Student: I just made sure I had enough gap from the right before I moved off.

Trainer: How long were you looking to the right though? Was there any information required from the left?

Student: Well, traffic from my right is my immediate danger!

Trainer: That’s correct, it is. But what information do we need to gather from the left before we move off?

Student: We have to see if there are any pedestrians on the pavement. 

Trainer: Just on the pavement? What could be nearby?

Student: A pedestrian crossing? A bus stop?

Trainer: So you need to look for pedestrians and zebra or light-controlled crossings. What else?

Student: Other vehicles coming from the left?

Trainer: What do we need to know about those vehicles?

Student: Their speed.

Trainer: Anything else about those vehicles?

Student: Whether my ex is driving it?

Trainer: Their size!. You mentioned speed, is there anything else we need to know about the vehicles coming from the left?

Student: Their size and if they are on our side of the road.

Trainer: Good. Now let’s take this one step further. When we approached the give way line there was traffic parked opposite on the main road. How could that affect the position of the traffic approaching from the left?

Student: That would most likely put them on our side of the road.

Trainer: So what do we now need to consider to the left?

Student: Pedestrians, pedestrian crossings and lights and the size of the vehicles that could be on our side of the road.

Trainer: Hold that thought because if we have vehicles coming towards us that could be mis-placed due to parked obstructions which puts them slightly close to us, what happens about us turning now?

Student: We may not have the space!

Trainer: Exactly! Now then, what if we were driving a bigger vehicle and were trying to get out of that junction? What are we considering now?

Student: Yes, I see your point. We have to give as much attention to the left as we do to the right when turning left.

Trainer: Ok, show me. Let’s find somewhere to get this sorted.

The subject above is not dealing with junctions as a holistic subject, it’s a sub-task within dealing with junctions. The student’s approaches, mirrors, positioning and judgement were not in question and the trainer confirmed this and so the attention was given only to the task of observation to the left.

Coaching models are not just for a course of lessons or for planning a session. They can be used to have a conversation about a specific situation, and so rather than telling a trainee about what had just happened, the trainer uses a coaching model to get a client to reflect on their performance and come up with a plan for the next time the situation occurs. 

Use of a coaching model can help structure the questions used to encourage the trainee to think about how they can improve their performance.

Example questions

  • How did it feel just now when we turned left into the side-road?
  • Why did you think the car went around the corner too fast?
  • What do you think you should do with the clutch before going into a side-road?
  • How much help do you want from me the next time we are about to turn into a side-road?
Back to
Scroll to Top

Terms and Conditions

This course includes our COVID-19 Guarantee. If the course has to be cancelled due to COVID-19 we’ll transfer your place or issue a refund where necessary. 

If you cancel within seven days of booking we will refund the cost of the course. However, we cannot issue any refunds if you want to cancel anytime after this. We may need to cancel or postpone courses occasionally due to reasons beyond our control. The course date will go ahead even if there is just one attendee. If you plan to book overnight accommodation as part of this course, do ensure you book a refundable option in case the course date had to be changed, postponed or cancelled. The DIA is not responsible for any costs you may incur.

Close

Terms and Conditions

By purchasing this product you agree that you have read and understood the requirements of the test that you are applying for.

Refund policy: Once a booking has been confirmed with a trainer directly for either a one-to-one standards check or mock test session you will need to give seven days notice to cancel, otherwise the fee will be lost and a new booking and payment will be required.

NOTE: For all training sessions and mock tests you and your trainer must wear a suitable face covering. Your trainer cannot provide one for you, trainers are only responsible for their own face covering and PPE protection. If a suitable face covering is not in place, your session will be cancelled and the fee will be lost. If you have a medical exception to wearing a face covering, this must be provided as proof of exemption to your Diamond trainer. You must demonstrate that your car has been cleaned, using anti-viral wipes to clean passenger handles inside and outside, the dashboard and any other touch points for the trainer. If your vehicle is not fit for purpose your session will be cancelled and the fee will be lost.

Candidates should not attend a training session or mock test if they are feeling unwell, particularly if they identify core symptoms associated with COVID-19 (such as a persistent cough or fever). We ask candidates to notify the DIA of any possible exposure to, or diagnosis of, coronavirus as soon as possible. If you are unable to take a test due to a COVID-19 diagnosis or possible symptoms, your session will be postponed without losing your fee and you will not be permitted to rearrange your standards check session or mock test within the next 14 days following the cancellation.

Once you have paid for your standards check session and/or mock test,  your details will be forwarded to your nominated Diamond trainer local to you, who will be in touch with you within 48 hours (Monday-Friday) with a view to booking you in at a mutually convenient location, date and time. Some flexibility will be required in terms of location, taking into account trainer availability at regional level and where restrictions with COVID-19 may be taking place. Your Diamond trainer will make arrangements to meet via text, email or telephone. We do not have specific meeting locations and your Diamond trainer will discuss any other queries with you once your booking has been made online.

You will need to use your own vehicle for the standards check session and mock test, which is suitable for training and allows for your Diamond trainer to role play a suitable candidate, with the relevant insurance in place to allow for this. All Diamond trainers are qualified ADIs with a Diamond examiner qualification in place. You will need to show relevant insurance cover to your Diamond trainer, either before or on the day of your agreed booking date and time. The vehicle you supply must be both roadworthy and legal for the purposes of the standards check session and mock test and your session will be cancelled if you do not present a suitable car with the relevant insurance. If you are more than 15 minutes late to your standards check or mock test session you will lose your booking and the fee will need to be paid again.

You will be asked to read a number plate at the required distance, full details can be found at www.gov.uk/driving-eyesight-rules. Your standards check or mock test session will be cancelled if you cannot reach these requirements. You will need a current and valid driving licence which will be checked by your trainer should you need to drive as part of your standards check or mock test.

Online classes

To attend the Zoom sessions you will need a PC, laptop or tablet that can run Zoom and must also have a camera and microphone so you are able to participate fully in the sessions. You are responsible for ensuring you can access and navigate zoom and that you have a strong enough internet connection. If you cannot join the session due to technical difficulties, we cannot guarantee that you will be moved to another session. Session dates are subject to change.

During this course you will be placed into small ‘live’ discussion groups and will need to converse. Please be aware of how to mute and unmute your microphone for the general discussions that will also be taking place.

Close