Scaling
Earlier, we mentioned 'Scaling' - this is a powerful method of discovering more about your own knowledge, skills and needs that will help with your driving and teaching development.
As you work through the driving exercises you will be using self-evaluation sheets based on 'scaling' - before using these sheets it's a good idea to get a full understanding of what scaling is and how it works. To do this, visit the following link (requires your smartdriving.co.uk. login) to listen to an audio seminar and download an explanation of the method and exercise).
General use of scaling
Click here to download a general scaling worksheet
Using the worksheet choose any small aspect of your driving - or your life that you want to improve or change. Make sure that you choose something small that is fairly easy to achieve in a short time-scale. Thinking about the subject you have chosen, work through the scaling method on the worksheet (the steps are also outlined below).
You can use the general scaling worksheet to assess yourself on any aspect of the course that is not covered by a specific course worksheet by completing the exercise as set out below as many times as necessary. Compare your 'before and after' scores by doing the exercise at the start of your study or practise and repeating it at the end... Or a couple of days later.
Step 1
Decide what you want to improve and take a moment to consider how much you already know about the specific topic and identify the skills that you already possess.
Spend no more than 45 seconds on this! Your first 'gut feeling' will be the important factor that will govern the changes that you achieve.
On a scale of zero to ten (with one being poor and ten being excellent), where do you rate yourself? Write down your 'score'.
When I consider (Topic) I estimate my ability on a scale of zero to ten to be (0 -10).
Next, reconsider, making sure that you are being honest with yourself and considering any relevant factors that you may have overlooked and that might affect your rating.
If there are any changes, amend your 'score'.
Next, ask yourself the following question.
"What do I need to know, or to do, in order to improve my score and how much do I realistically think I can improve in my next practise/study session"
Step 2
Go out and practise.
After practising, rate yourself again on the 0-10 scale. Going with your gut instinct.
Step 3
Assess and develop.
Think about the reasons for your score - why did you score yourself at that level?
Next, think about what you need to improve.
Our recommendation is that you consider what is required to improve by one or two points – setting your target too high can lead to a sense of disappointment, even if you make an improvement. However, you know yourself better than anyone else and so you are best placed to determine the ‘improvement level’ – but keep it realistic!
Think about the ‘improvement question’ carefully, taking as long as necessary (you might know the answer instantly; alternatively, you might want to leave it for now and think about it overnight or during your working day).
Formulate your answer as specifically as possible, with as much detail as possible.
When you have your answer, write it out on your worksheet.
Step 4
Repeat steps 2 & 3 again as many times as required to reach a consistent standard.
Generally speaking you are unlikely to score yourself higher than 9, simply because if you can consistently reach such a high standard you will be starting to recognise that there will always be room to improve. Think about the example of the world's to sportsmen and women - no matter what they achieve they will always look for opportunities to improve.
Before moving on make sure that you fully understand the information in this unit. We want you to qualify as soon as possible - to gain maximum success you will need to develop your self-evaluation skills and be honest with yourself at all times.
Completion of self-evaluation is also a requirement to meet the terms of any training guarantee offered by SmartDriving (See your course terms and conditions for full details). Note: The practise exercises form an integral part of your driving development - without them the practical training is unlikely to be enough to meet the required standard. Also remember, the better prepared you are going into the practical training, the more value you will get from it.
Next: Complete a few questions to check your understanding of Section 1.