ADI Part 3 - The SE 'Word Picture'

The SE Word Picture . . . Listen carefully

Be cause the part 3 test is based entirely on role play, the SE will set the foundations for each phase of the test by giving you what's commonly referred to as a 'word picture'. The SE's will usually be quite vague about their experience and lessons so far, so really listen carefully to what you are told

This simply refers to the SE setting the scene for the lesson, and giving you the basic information that you need to continue with your instruction.

It's absolutely vital that you listen very carefully indeed to the word picture the SE gives you

You will base your level of instruction on the information you et from the SE, and the word picture will also be a starting point for you to find out more by using effective question and answer techniques.

As an example, let's imagine that you have been asked to teach phase 1 'mirrors and emergency stop'. The SE will start the test meeting you in the waiting room and dispensing with the formalities of signing the paperwork. After that, you'll be straight out to the car.

Because of the pst that's been chosen for you, the SE will ask you to sit in the passenger seat from the very start. The SE will take a few details of the car that you've decided to use for the test, before jumping into the drivers seat. Now, the real test is a bout to begin.

The SE will turn to you and say something along the following lines . . .

"OK Dave, I'd like to remind you that this is a test of your instructional ability. Please remember to treat me as you would a learner driver, and that I'll be playing the part of two different learners for each phase of the test. The pst that you have to teach me today is pst 5, phase 1 being 'mirrors and emergency stop'. For the purposes of this test, my name is John and I've had 7 driving lessons. My instructor is ill today, and she's asked that you take over for this lesson. She's asked that you take a look at my mirror work and teach me the emergency stop. So, hello then Dave, my names John, over to you . . . "

And that's where you start your exploratory questions and get the lesson underway with a briefing, before moving on to actively teaching the subject of the lesson.

The word pictures I've heard whilst being sat in the back seat of part 3 tests have sometimes been hilarious. The SE's sometimes take the opportunity to inject a little lighthearted relief to put you more at ease with what can sometimes seem to be a strange situation.

I've heard SE's say things like "my old instructor never rang me back because I think he was scared of how I drive!". Now, there's one to make you wary from the start! I've also heard "I rang you because you were the cheapest I could find!" and "my instructor has gone on holiday to Tenerife to meet all the other instructors who get rich from us learners!"

At phase 2, the word picture can sometimes be even shorter. You are already into the test, and the SE doesn't have the time to put you at ease. They usually just want to get on with it.

Whatever picture the SE paints for you, accept the humour for what it is, but keep an ear wide open for the clues of what is to come . . .

For instance, I heard one SE on a phase 2 lesson start with " . . . anyway, when I failed my test I told the examiner exactly what I thought of him. He was a bit young and clearly didn't have a clue. I told him that people should just get out of your way when you want to come through . . ."

Mmm . . . seems like you could be in for a 'rocky ride' and that the major fault displayed so far is one of attitude. Time for you to get a firm grip and keep the lesson and the learner under control.

Whatever stories the SE tells you when setting the scene for the lesson, the fact remains that you need to keep your ears well and truly open. Listen carefully to what is said, and use your flexibility to pitch the level of your instruction just right.

ADIT team