Lesson Structure:
Step 1 - Introduction
Suggested (initial) study time for this unit, including note-taking, questions and reflection: 25 minutes.
Good lessons have clearly identifiable parts with each part serving a specific purpose.
All lessons have four things in common:
1. The lesson introduction:
All lessons start with a short 'meet and greet' session. This starts with 'hello' and often a minute or so of ice-breaking 'chit-chat' as the learner settles in. (Not necessary or appropriate in the exam lesson.)
It might then continue with some lesson formalities before the learning begins (payment, etc.).
The learning will usually start with a discussion about progress to date and any specific issues, followed by a conversation about the lesson goals and 'what happens next' ('job sharing' information).
A new customer would follow a similar pattern. However, you might need more time to explore their driving history.
2. The 'drive out' from the start location to the main area/route of the lesson (warm-up)
Because most learners don't drive every day, some only once a week, they will need some 'settling in time' before getting 'stuck in' to new learning. The 'warm up' drive allows them to get back into the swing of driving.
Often, the main practise area will be away from the pick-up location*; the drive to the area provides a good opportunity for the warm-up.
(*Or test-centre in the case of a Part-Three test lesson.)With early learners and new customers**, you will drive to the main lesson location. You can use this drive to demonstrate the skills you will be teaching and present them in the context of 'real world driving'.
**New customers: We recommend that you always drive new customers to a quiet location before allowing them to drive for the first time with you - even if they are experienced, for example, if they failed a driving test. Do this even when you pick them up from a quiet location. The drive allows you to find out all about them and any issues/needs/desires they might have. A quiet location is essential for them to get used to your car, and for safety - you have no idea how well they can drive at this point!
3. The drive home
The drive back to the pick-up location (or test centre during an exam lesson) offers an opportunity to discuss the lesson and practise the skills in a different environment. In the case of an early learner***, as with the drive-out, you would take the wheel and use the opportunity to demonstrate key issues from the lesson. *** You cannot use an early learner for your test lesson. Your pupil must be able to drive to and from the test centre.
4. The de-brief/reflection at the end of the lesson
Lessons finish with a de-brief/recap, during which you will encourage your customer to reflect on what went well and what can be improved. During this short session, you will usually agree on an outline plan for the next lesson and any between-lesson study or practise that may be relevant.
The elements above are distinct and separate.
In addition to these elements, we add 'mini-lessons'. The mini-lessons are where the learning takes place. So the lesson becomes:
The lesson introduction:
The 'drive out' from the start location to the main area/route of the lesson (warm-up)
A series of mini-lessons (the number depends on lesson length, the learner's need and the subject).
The drive home
The de-brief/reflection at the end of the lesson
Next: What is a mini-lesson?