Lesson plans for teaching a CFI and CFII
07-01-2009, 10:44 AM
#11
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Aug 2008
Posts: 999
Ok, I'll bite on the reason why you may be getting flak. I'll provide what I did when I taught CFI's.
What's the point of learning to do something? Its so you can accomplish the tasks that are required of that something and do what that something is meant to do. The CFI candidate needs to learn how to do things that CFI's do...like make lesson plans, come up with Plans of Action, teach specific topics, etc. I looked at it as my goal was to guide them towards the outcome, but it was their job to create a Plan of Action for their training (which I'd critique), make lesson plans (which I'd critique), and teach specific topics (which I'd critique).
I treated my commercial pilot candidates as commercial pilots, so I treated CFI candidates like CFI's. What does that do for CFI candidates specifically? To create a PoA, they need to research what areas of study they must master. This requires research of the PTS, FOI, FAR, AIM, etc. Then each lesson plan requires them to re-research what they were taught to be MORE in depth.
Basically, by teaching themselves (while being guided by me) they learn how to research, teach, learn, listen, explain, understand, field questions, and all the other things that they will actually be doing on a day to day basis.
Also, a note on the importance of lesson plans. First, most CFI's do not follow a specific lesson plan while instructing a student. However, doing your own lesson plans is a valuable opportunity to research things a CFI candidate forgot as well as an opportunity to expand on the knowledge they already had. EVEN MORE IMPORTANTLY, it is completely unacceptable for any CFI to say, "Thats what my CFI said". Every word out of a CFI's mouth needs to be backed up by a document that the CFI can refer to. Lesson plans are a great place to store that information. When a student says, "my last CFI said XXX", if xxx is wrong, you can back up your information. Also, if the CFI forgets a bit of information or a number and the lesson plan includes specific references and pages, the info can quickly be recalled.
I would encourage any CFI applicant to do their own lesson plans, from scratch. The first few are supposed to be terrible, thats a great learning experience. The first time teaching is supposed to be terrible. Just like when first learning steep turns or landings, learning happens through practice and guidance.
What's the point of learning to do something? Its so you can accomplish the tasks that are required of that something and do what that something is meant to do. The CFI candidate needs to learn how to do things that CFI's do...like make lesson plans, come up with Plans of Action, teach specific topics, etc. I looked at it as my goal was to guide them towards the outcome, but it was their job to create a Plan of Action for their training (which I'd critique), make lesson plans (which I'd critique), and teach specific topics (which I'd critique).
I treated my commercial pilot candidates as commercial pilots, so I treated CFI candidates like CFI's. What does that do for CFI candidates specifically? To create a PoA, they need to research what areas of study they must master. This requires research of the PTS, FOI, FAR, AIM, etc. Then each lesson plan requires them to re-research what they were taught to be MORE in depth.
Basically, by teaching themselves (while being guided by me) they learn how to research, teach, learn, listen, explain, understand, field questions, and all the other things that they will actually be doing on a day to day basis.
Also, a note on the importance of lesson plans. First, most CFI's do not follow a specific lesson plan while instructing a student. However, doing your own lesson plans is a valuable opportunity to research things a CFI candidate forgot as well as an opportunity to expand on the knowledge they already had. EVEN MORE IMPORTANTLY, it is completely unacceptable for any CFI to say, "Thats what my CFI said". Every word out of a CFI's mouth needs to be backed up by a document that the CFI can refer to. Lesson plans are a great place to store that information. When a student says, "my last CFI said XXX", if xxx is wrong, you can back up your information. Also, if the CFI forgets a bit of information or a number and the lesson plan includes specific references and pages, the info can quickly be recalled.
I would encourage any CFI applicant to do their own lesson plans, from scratch. The first few are supposed to be terrible, thats a great learning experience. The first time teaching is supposed to be terrible. Just like when first learning steep turns or landings, learning happens through practice and guidance.
07-01-2009, 04:27 PM
#12
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Oct 2008
Posts: 346
Originally Posted by 250 or point 65
Ok, I'll bite on the reason why you may be getting flak. I'll provide what I did when I taught CFI's.
What's the point of learning to do something? Its so you can accomplish the tasks that are required of that something and do what that something is meant to do. The CFI candidate needs to learn how to do things that CFI's do...like make lesson plans, come up with Plans of Action, teach specific topics, etc. I looked at it as my goal was to guide them towards the outcome, but it was their job to create a Plan of Action for their training (which I'd critique), make lesson plans (which I'd critique), and teach specific topics (which I'd critique).
I treated my commercial pilot candidates as commercial pilots, so I treated CFI candidates like CFI's. What does that do for CFI candidates specifically? To create a PoA, they need to research what areas of study they must master. This requires research of the PTS, FOI, FAR, AIM, etc. Then each lesson plan requires them to re-research what they were taught to be MORE in depth.
Basically, by teaching themselves (while being guided by me) they learn how to research, teach, learn, listen, explain, understand, field questions, and all the other things that they will actually be doing on a day to day basis.
Also, a note on the importance of lesson plans. First, most CFI's do not follow a specific lesson plan while instructing a student. However, doing your own lesson plans is a valuable opportunity to research things a CFI candidate forgot as well as an opportunity to expand on the knowledge they already had. EVEN MORE IMPORTANTLY, it is completely unacceptable for any CFI to say, "Thats what my CFI said". Every word out of a CFI's mouth needs to be backed up by a document that the CFI can refer to. Lesson plans are a great place to store that information. When a student says, "my last CFI said XXX", if xxx is wrong, you can back up your information. Also, if the CFI forgets a bit of information or a number and the lesson plan includes specific references and pages, the info can quickly be recalled.
I would encourage any CFI applicant to do their own lesson plans, from scratch. The first few are supposed to be terrible, thats a great learning experience. The first time teaching is supposed to be terrible. Just like when first learning steep turns or landings, learning happens through practice and guidance.
What's the point of learning to do something? Its so you can accomplish the tasks that are required of that something and do what that something is meant to do. The CFI candidate needs to learn how to do things that CFI's do...like make lesson plans, come up with Plans of Action, teach specific topics, etc. I looked at it as my goal was to guide them towards the outcome, but it was their job to create a Plan of Action for their training (which I'd critique), make lesson plans (which I'd critique), and teach specific topics (which I'd critique).
I treated my commercial pilot candidates as commercial pilots, so I treated CFI candidates like CFI's. What does that do for CFI candidates specifically? To create a PoA, they need to research what areas of study they must master. This requires research of the PTS, FOI, FAR, AIM, etc. Then each lesson plan requires them to re-research what they were taught to be MORE in depth.
Basically, by teaching themselves (while being guided by me) they learn how to research, teach, learn, listen, explain, understand, field questions, and all the other things that they will actually be doing on a day to day basis.
Also, a note on the importance of lesson plans. First, most CFI's do not follow a specific lesson plan while instructing a student. However, doing your own lesson plans is a valuable opportunity to research things a CFI candidate forgot as well as an opportunity to expand on the knowledge they already had. EVEN MORE IMPORTANTLY, it is completely unacceptable for any CFI to say, "Thats what my CFI said". Every word out of a CFI's mouth needs to be backed up by a document that the CFI can refer to. Lesson plans are a great place to store that information. When a student says, "my last CFI said XXX", if xxx is wrong, you can back up your information. Also, if the CFI forgets a bit of information or a number and the lesson plan includes specific references and pages, the info can quickly be recalled.
I would encourage any CFI applicant to do their own lesson plans, from scratch. The first few are supposed to be terrible, thats a great learning experience. The first time teaching is supposed to be terrible. Just like when first learning steep turns or landings, learning happens through practice and guidance.
FlyingPirate
07-01-2009, 08:45 PM
#13
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Feb 2009
Position: Corporate + CFI
Posts: 164
Originally Posted by FlyingPirate
I'm not sure you two understand what I am asking. I am a CFI, CFII, and MEI. When I was in training I made my own lesson plans I have a 3" binder completely full of less plans for private and commercial students as well as a 1" binder for instrument.
What I am asking is if anyone has lesson plans to teach a potential CFI. This is my first CFI student and I just want some guidance, I completely agree that it is important to develop your own teaching style and lesson plans, but you have to start somewhere.
FlyingPirate
What I am asking is if anyone has lesson plans to teach a potential CFI. This is my first CFI student and I just want some guidance, I completely agree that it is important to develop your own teaching style and lesson plans, but you have to start somewhere.
FlyingPirate
i thought you are trying to get ur ratings and looking for some source to get lesson plans because you do not want to make your own ... my bad ....
07-02-2009, 01:25 PM
#14
On Reserve
Joined APC: Feb 2008
Posts: 17
FlyingPirate,
Since most of what you should be teaching a CFI applicant is 'how to teach' (basically FOI) and not technical, aviation-specific material, I would recommend grabbing the latest copies of the Jeppesen CFI syllabus and the Aviation Instuctor's Handbook (FAA-H-8083-9A). That will give you enough of an outline of how to proceed.
Unless my CFI applicants have a prior background in teaching, I require them to develop and deliver a lesson on every area of both the Pvt ASEL and Comm PASEL PTS, ground and flight. This way, I get to check the accuracy and depth of their technical knowledge and they get to work out all the kinks in their delivery of the material and learn how to answer the questions I always seem to be asking.
Also, make sure they can talk and fly at the same time! The reason most CFI applicants 'get pinked' is generally not because their knowledge is lacking, it's because they can't teach a simple ground lesson or can't demonstrate how to fly straight and level. You'd be surprised how many applicants can fly the hell out of a chandelle or Lazy-8, but not teach PP flight lesson 1 material. We assume they can fly...they're commercial pilots.
I'm definitely not the guy to come to for a Shebly's or ATP-style course, but then again my CFI applicants have a 100% first-time pass rate and, more importantly, know how to teach the day they get their cert.
SemperFly
Since most of what you should be teaching a CFI applicant is 'how to teach' (basically FOI) and not technical, aviation-specific material, I would recommend grabbing the latest copies of the Jeppesen CFI syllabus and the Aviation Instuctor's Handbook (FAA-H-8083-9A). That will give you enough of an outline of how to proceed.
Unless my CFI applicants have a prior background in teaching, I require them to develop and deliver a lesson on every area of both the Pvt ASEL and Comm PASEL PTS, ground and flight. This way, I get to check the accuracy and depth of their technical knowledge and they get to work out all the kinks in their delivery of the material and learn how to answer the questions I always seem to be asking.
Also, make sure they can talk and fly at the same time! The reason most CFI applicants 'get pinked' is generally not because their knowledge is lacking, it's because they can't teach a simple ground lesson or can't demonstrate how to fly straight and level. You'd be surprised how many applicants can fly the hell out of a chandelle or Lazy-8, but not teach PP flight lesson 1 material. We assume they can fly...they're commercial pilots.I'm definitely not the guy to come to for a Shebly's or ATP-style course, but then again my CFI applicants have a 100% first-time pass rate and, more importantly, know how to teach the day they get their cert.
SemperFly
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