This coaching tip continues our 8 part series on simple strategies for maximizing your student’s ability to learn. These tips come from a lecture by Debra Bell. The fifth simple strategy is another one that’s already a key part in our program: students learn best when they have a teacher that is available and provides encouragement.

As a teacher, no one is more available than a parent. Being the same household, you’re going to be available at some time or another almost every day to answer a question. That kind of availability makes the student feel more comfortable learning something that’s new to them. When the student knows they have someone they can turn to when they get stuck, they’re more comfortable going forward into an unknown subject and it’s less frustrating for them. You’re not just available for answers, though, you’re also there for encouragement. Your student needs positive feedback. Your student needs to know that they’re doing something right. Even when they’re making mistakes on something that’s new to them, you can remind them of what they’ve done well. Always end a lesson on something they do well so they can end on a positive note and feel good about the lesson.

Watch this video to see Patrick Barrett, the Driver Education Guru, talk more about how important encouragement is.