by Dr. Donald L. Green, 11 April 2022
Discussing Safe Effective Efficient (SEE) and Fun Effective Efficient and Learner-Centered (FEEL) with some RiderCoaches recently, I was reminded whenever we begin to banter about these terms, it is about the student ALWAYS. Anytime we invoke such acronyms, we should not be thinking of ourselves as RiderCoaches, we should be aligning our thoughts with the curricular underpinnings (S.A.M.) and how they relate to student development. An excellent way to describe student-driven development while engaged in a Rider Education Course is to approach the student at the top of a hierarchal pyramid.
Imagine, if you will, an organizational or hierarchal chart with the person at the top being a student. Below and subordinate to the student(s) would be where the RiderCoach resides, supporting the student in a foundational way, assisting their development as a rider. Essentially, the business or organization follows that student’s rrequirements, providing the guidance and material to help make the student successful in the educational process.
The essence of the student is to focus and essentially lead the endeavor, seeking to improve their attributes (skill sets) by giving their attention to riding a motorcycle. The information is best when it is only what the student needs, no more, no less. RiderCoaches, facilitate the needs of students, guiding, nudging, asking good questions, and being a help agent.
When in a business, the CEO provides purpose, direction, and motivation to the organization, giving the supporting elements an obligation to assist in their capacity, creating a framework for the company to prosper. Suppose there is no filter or proper focus on the excessive amounts of information given by the staff (RiderCoach) to the CEO (Student). In that case, there is a possibility that the CEO must navigate mounds of information or miss key data trends guiding the company to success. If there is not enough pertinent information given to the CEO, their decisions may be based on ill-focused misleading details. Either way – the RiderCoach (Executive Staff) should support the student’s (CEO) specific requirements to further the development of their riding (the business).
On occasion, this hierarchy reflects mainly what the RiderCoach may deem appropriate based on their perspective or experiences. By not considering the student’s needs and our own, we are missing a key point in student-driven development. By approaching the student as the CEO and comparing their needs as the curricular requirements of success, RiderCoaches can serve in a support capacity through more precise guidance.
© 2022, Donald L. Green, Rider Choices
