ADI Part 3 Lesson Planning

Lesson Planning

Getting your lesson plan right is crucial in Part 3 since it is the first thing you will be evaluated on. If your plan isn’t strong, your chances of passing will decrease significantly. Listed below is what the examiner is looking for on your part 3 or standards check lesson.

However if the plan is not going to plan then you must change the lesson, not adapting when necessary  is probably the most common reason for failure.

1. Did the trainer identify the pupil’s learning goals and needs?

The trainer doesn’t need to decide the learning goals — just help identify them. These goals should be clear and agreed on by both the trainer and the pupil. If a goal isn’t suitable or achievable right now, it can be saved for later, or broken down into smaller steps to work toward it.

A goal must be something the pupil can achieve. For example, “a roundabout” isn’t a goal, but “judging my approach speed correctly” is.

The pupil’s needs also need to be noticed and supported.

2. Was the agreed lesson structure appropriate for the pupil’s experience and ability?

A big part of being a good ADI is knowing how to adjust the level of support and difficulty to suit each pupil. The lesson should be agreed on and suitable for where the pupil is in their learning.

Ask yourself: Were they out of their depth? Or were they not being challenged enough?

Good teaching means breaking driving down into smaller tasks, focusing on one skill at a time, and helping the pupil use that skill in different situations to build confidence and independence.

Getting this right is really important. It often makes the difference between passing or missing out on higher marks, and it links closely to Competency 3.

3. Were the practice areas suitable?

• Did the area have what you needed?
• Was it the right level of difficulty?
• Could you change the lesson as the pupil learned?
• Was the risk easy to manage?
• Choose a route you can change, repeat, or make easier if needed.

4. Was the lesson plan adapted, when appropriate, to help the pupil work towards their learning goals?

One of the biggest reasons for failing the Part 3 or Standards Check is sticking to the plan—even when it’s not working.

You set the date.
You pick the pupil.
You plan the lesson.
Then you follow it no matter what!

But why?

Lessons should be flexible.
Teach in the moment.
Respond to what the pupil needs and how they’re doing.

Be ready to change the plan.
Choose a route that lets you adapt, go back, or simplify if needed.

Also ask:
“Did I change the goals to help the pupil move forward?”

If the plan isn’t working—change it. That’s good teaching.

How Part 3 is marked | Lesson Planning | Risk Management | Teaching & Learning Strategies | Part 3 Marking Sheet