What is client centred instruction

Recently the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) released te new standards for Driving Instructors. In the release the DSA refered to instructors having to use 'client centred approaches'. So what is a client centered approach? There is nothing new in the approach just the use of the word 'client'. Client is the DSA's own word for pupil or learner. Remember that a pupil or learner could be a fleet trainee, learner or trainee Driving Instructor and the use of the word client covers all these. Client centered is nothing more than pupil or learner centred.

So then what is a learner or pupil centred approach? This is an approach that quite simply meets the needs of the learner themselves. Every learner needs a different approach as each has an individual way that they learn. In the news and forums we here of the new buzz word of coaching. Well coaching is one part of ppil centered approach. It is no more or no less important than instructing or any of the other skills a fully armoured and prepared instructor should have. Just as a carpenter uses the correct tools for his trade so a Driving Instructor should chose the best tool for their job. It is possible for a carpenter to use a chisel to undo a screw or a screwdriver to gouge a hle in a piece of wood but for the best result they would chose the correct tool for the job. Many Driving Instructors simply do not have enougth tools in thier toolbox to be able to offer what the DSA require in a full client centred approach.

Look out for client centred approach to your learner courses coming soon.