Teaching Styles.
Author: Malcolm Hornsby
February 2006
Autocratic style
The Autocratic style of teaching exists to assert total control over the student.
In the driver training context a degree of autocratic instruction is necessary to
maintain control of precise process, for example: "turn left at the next street,
check your mirrors, signal left, brake gently" and so on. This type of instruction
leaves the student in no doubt of their task, reducing the risk of error where accurate
task completion is paramount.
The Laissez-faire style
The Laissez-faire style of teaching exists to allow a free spirited, and hands off
approach to learning. This style may be appropriate in circumstances where the student
requests autonomy to deal with a situation unassisted.
The Democratic style
The Democratic style of teaching permits a conciliatory approach to decisions or
course of action, discussion and agreement precede direction.
Effective driver trainers must encompass all teaching styles at various stages of
their training sessions, to limit intervention to one style or adopt a style based
on one's current mood is thwart with danger.