ADI Part 3 - Q and A Techniques

Q and A Techniques

The effective use of Question and Answer techniques are a prime requirement for success in the part 3 test.

I'd go further, and state that good Q and A methods will improve your lesson delivery, your lesson content and improve the standard of all the driving lessons that you give.

Always remember that Q and A is a form of communication, and that communication is two way. You need to use Q and A yourself, but also encourage your learner to ask questions. By asking questions, your learner is exploring new ideas.

One of the great mistakes that many trainee's make is falling into the trap of what I call 'the empty box syndrome'

It's so easy to believe that the person sat next to us knows nothing at all . . . we have to teach them everything and tell them step by step what to do.

Well, the thing to realise is that no one is an empty box. Everyone, of any age, has a wealth of experiences and memories that can help them to learn new material. You are no exception.

One of the foundations for effective instruction is to

teach from the known to the unknown

Ask yourself . . . if you had 20 driving lessons, would you want to sit with an instructor who told you every little move to make? every gear change, every decision?

No, you wouldn't. People just do not learn like that. Skills are acquired and practiced. New skills are built upon what we've learned before. And that is the point. You must not only establish what skills have been learned before, but you must actively use those skills to create new skills.

That's where Q and A come's in. By using effective Q and A you can establish what skills your learner has, and what skills they need to be taught in the lesson.

For part 3, Q and A can be used in two main areas: In the briefing and on the move