I think it would be beneficial to use a role play before a students first solo. I would probably have them sit in a chair like they were flying, while I read them clearances similar to what ATC will read them. In this way I could prepare them for what they will probably hear. The 4 categories of instructional methods are instructor-centered, interactive, individualized and experiential. Instructor-centered methods involve lectures, questioning and demonstrations. Interactive methods involve class discussions, discussion groups and group projects. The individualized method includes computerized instruction and independent projects. Experiential methods involve field or clinical methods, laboratory methods, role-playing and drills. I would probably use a discussion group if I was teaching a larger group like a ground school. I could bring up a concept like Aeronautical Decision Making or emergency procedures and have the groups talk about different scenarios. The context is important in deciding the method of instruction because they have everything to do with each other. For example, a group of college students won't respond well to an 8 a.m. class so it is probably best not to exclusively lecture. Also, an evening class of people who just got out of work won't be effective unless the teacher changes the pace up.
The demographic characteristics are age, gender and language and background. Age can affect people because as a person gets older they might learn slower, need more breaks or bigger print. Gender affects people because men and women tend to learn differently. Language and background can affect learning because someone who doesn't know the teaching language as well might struggle to understand concepts, or they might have different beliefs and values from the teacher. In all of these cases it is important to avoid stereotyping based on a demographic. Adults learn differently mostly because they are self-motivated. Often they go back to school for enjoyment or to get a raise. This means that they are more likely to learn better in a self-directed study course. Adults also have more experience so they can relate concepts taught in class to their lives. In teaching an adult I will probably be more likely to ask them to study more outside of ground school and spend less time on lengthy briefings. I would also probably try to help them connect the flight training to previous experiences so they will be more motivated.
Good summary of methods and how you would use role play. Adult learners can learn well if you adapt to their background. This is easy to do in a one-on-one such as flight instruction, but how might this be done in a more complex environment such as ground school?
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