Originally Posted by
multipilot
Thanks for everyone's input so far. I honestly believe its a cognitive issue with this particular student. His reasoning, judgment, and awareness skills are simply not there. For example, we flew four days ago and tower assigned him a routine taxi clearance to taxi to the runway via taxiway H. We get this clearance 97% of the time. He then proceeds to taxi to a taxiway D at midfield. When I asked him what it was he was doing, he said he was taxiing to taxiway H and points at D. Hopefully after spring break I will be able to schedule a flight for him with the chief instructor. After that, depending on how it goes, we will more than likely sit down with him and have a discussion.
Well, that definately is bad. Taxiing and Taxiway markings definately can be challenging for people. I remember I had some trouble with it, so I asked ground control to taxi me around for a bit before our activity. Thats something that you and your student could do to get familiar with clearances and markings.
Also, as others have said, one of the best things you can do is to simply not do anything (unless its dangerous). I recall things as simple as forgetting the takeoff checklist, and of course my instructor noticed I forgot, but when tower called to say "XXX11 not receiving transponder, recycle". uh...oops. Its embarrassing to make mistakes, and you learn from them.
I also recall the first time I did a tail strike on landing, getting my PPL...flared too much. It wasn't terrible, or dangerous, but it was embarrassing.
I dont have any of my CFI ratings...it definately sounds like a challenge. I dont think I could break it to people that they should look for a new career!