by Dr. Donald Green, 31 January 2022
In a group RiderCoach discussion last week, a stellar coach stepped forward to ask the other coaches in the room can we discuss a topic? This may not be unusual in some circles, but it is pretty standard for the RiderCoaches frequenting Tribe Talk Happy Hour. What is important to mention, though, is that we gladly have the discussion and all learn from it!
So, this week for Tribe Talk, we all received an assignment to explore the theory and see how we can apply it to our profession. For students, for peers, for each other. The RiderCoach who ran with the topic is stellar because he challenged us to consider the theory in an environment where we are all supported by each other (Boom! Mind Blown!).
The topic is Challenge and Support, an educational theory proposed by Nevitt Sanford in 1966. He stated, “for growth to occur, a person needs a balanced amount of challenge and support as appropriate for the task. In addition, a person must be physically and psychologically ready to grow.” The brilliance of the theory is that it can ultimately be applied to any situation where a student can learn. Moreover, if you substitute the name student for Rider, RiderCoach, Quality Assurance Specialist, RiderCoach Trainer… I think you get the idea.
Anyway, the challenge exists! Here are some preparation questions for you:
- Where does the student need development?
- Are they ready for that kind of development?
- What can I (or the institution) do to challenge the student?
- What support can I (or the institution) do to support the student Readiness?
I want to take the challenge further by adding the following concept. The four (4) Rider Sub-tasks discussed in almost every deeper discussion how the underpinnings of the curriculum are applied in the classroom and on the range. The subtasks provide a broader sense of how the theory can extend beyond the teacher-student relationship to the student-student-teacher interaction using social support as an extension of the challenge and support theory.
Challenge and Support in a Social environment to boost mental, physical, social, and emotional growth is an extension of theory in a more influential environment. Sanford theorized a structure that works well with students. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s curriculum applies and extends the basic design in a social environment through the nature of adult and accelerated learning (see andragogy). The setting offers the right challenges and supports (roughly balanced) so students can collectively and individually achieve growth.
Too much or too little support or challenge may lead to any of the outcomes noted in the four quadrants depicted in the figure. Using the chart to flex the amount of engagement or self-management, one could reasonably guide a group in the appropriate direction.
The theory allows me to consider supporting the students more by offering better resources – or challenging students’ direction with a more particular question, facilitating a quest to achieve a more appropriate answer without direct guidance. The possibilities are endless. And so, I invite you to investigate and join a conversation, to grow and learn. To be curious. As usual, everyone is welcome to the chat, but more importantly, to the learning and the growth that such a strong community can foster.
Until Next Time…
