Were the pupil’s queries followed up and answered?

Direct questions or queries from the pupil should be dealt with as soon as possible. The response may involve providing information or directing the pupil to a suitable source.
Remember that, wherever possible, the pupil should be encouraged to discover answers themselves. However, if the PDI does need to provide information they must ensure that the pupil completely understands the information given.

Pupils may not always have the confidence to ask direct questions. The PDI should be able to pick up comments or body language that indicates uncertainty or confusion and use suitable techniques to explore possible issues.

Indications that all the elements of competence are in place could include:

• responding openly and readily to queries
• providing helpful answers or directing the pupil to suitable sources of information
• actively checking with pupils if their comments or body language suggest they may have a question
• encouraging the pupil to explore possible solutions for themselves

Indications of lack of competence include:

• refusing to respond to queries
• providing inaccurate information in response to queries
• avoiding the question or denying responsibility for answering it

Next: The instructor's manner