Test Marking: Accurate Information
As noted above giving incorrect or insufficient information, with the result that a safety critical situation might occur, will result in an automatic fail.
Remember that good information is:
accurate
imposing an interpretation
relevant
timely
Failure to meet any one of these criteria makes the others redundant.
Most sessions will require some technical input from the PDI to help the pupil solve problems or to fill a gap in their knowledge. This input must be accurate and appropriate.
Information given must be comprehensive when associated with a recurring weakness in the pupil’s driving. Simply telling the pupil that they have done something wrong is unlikely to help them overcome the problem.
Any practical demonstration of technique must be clear and suitable. The pupil should be engaged and given the opportunity to explore their understanding of what they are being shown.
Information given unnecessarily may not be helpful, for example continually telling the pupil what to do and not allowing the pupil an opportunity to take responsibility. Unclear or misleading advice should also be avoided. Comments such as ‘you’re a bit close to these parked cars’ could be used to introduce coaching on a weakness but are of little use on their own as they are unclear. How close is ’a bit’ and is it significant?
Indications that all the elements of competence are in place could include:
giving clear, timely and technically accurate demonstrations or explanations
checking understanding and, if necessary, repeating the demonstration or explanation
finding a different way to demonstrate or explain if the pupil still does not understand
Indications of lack of competence include:
providing inaccurate or unclear information, too late or too early in the learning process
failing to check understanding
failing to explore alternative ways of presenting information where the pupil does not understand the first offering
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