Remedial Action - The SAS Routine

No -this is not a unit joining a crack team of soldiers. This is where the driving instruction begins.

The SAS training model, in its most basic form, can be either teacher or learner-centred.

Routines (or models) are fundamental to all teaching whether in a teacher or learner-centred session. Following a structured routine will keep the lesson focused and minimise the learner’s opportunity to make further errors.

The SAS routine is a useful starting point for learning about a structured approach to error correction.

It’s important to recognise that there are no ‘one size fits all’ models for training and that this basic model can be flexible. It’s also important to understand that the use of a routine in and of itself does not necessarily mean that you will be delivering a good lesson – all of the skills that you are learning in this course are important.

The ‘SAS’ routine

SAS is a quick an easy way to learn about three main stages to follow when fixing errors - the method can also be used for teaching a new skill from scratch.

• S - Spot a mistake (or if teaching a skill from scratch, 'Set the goals)
  In order to fix a problem you first have to see it (Spot) - this is why fully understanding how and when to watch the learner is critically important.
  
  
• A - Ask, Analyse and Plan
  After identifying a mistake you need to find out whether the learner is aware of the issue (Ask) and help them to identify a cause (Analyse) and determine a solution (Plan).

• S - Share, Support and Sort it!
  After discussing the issue and how to fix the issue you can move on to practise - but before you do this you need to ensure that the learner is totally certain about their responsibilities, we call this 'Job Sharing'* Start the practise by recapping the plan (Share). After recapping the plan you can Support the learner by giving instructions or prompts on the move if necessary with a view to Sorting the problem.

After doing whatever is necessary to sort the problem you need to re-assess the learner's ability - the SAS process starts all over again with 'Spot'.

The routine is a simple, effective method to help ensure an appropriate level of instruction at all times.

*Job Sharing is covered in the next unit.

Next: An example of using SAS when moving off...