FIA Post #3

During my expectations talk I would be sure to cover both what they can expect from me and what I would expect from them.
The first thing that I would tell them to expect from me would be my full attention and effort at all times.  I would explain that I understand how frustrating it can be to have an instructor who isn't 100% there, and that I would do everything in my power to help them learn.  I would also tell them to expect me to be on time for every lesson, and I would let them know at least 24 hours ahead of time if I needed to cancel a meeting.  The only exception would be in case of sickness, but I would tell them to expect me to contact them as soon as I knew I couldn't make the lesson.
I would make sure that the student understood my expectations so there wasn't any confusion.  My first expectation would be that they showed up for every lesson ready to give a full effort and learn as much as possible.  I would also tell them that I would expect them to follow the same attendance policy as me, and hold themselves to the same standard of honesty.  Another expectation that I would lay out would be for them to do their homework and be ready for the lesson before showing up.  I would make sure to tell them how important it is to be ready for a lesson, and how much more they will learn if they are prepared.

FIA Post #2

The first thing that I would look for in a new student's folder is what lessons they have completed.  I would want to know what point in training they are at.  I would also check to see if any lessons had to be flown multiple times to complete them.  This might show where the student needs more training or what they have spent a lot of time practicing.  The next thing that I would check is the student note page, just in case their instructor put down any notes about their performance or training.  I think I would also check what briefings they have completed so I could out how much knowledge they have developed in a certain area.
I think that the most important thing that I would ask their instructor is how the student learns best.  This will be important when it comes to teaching the student.  It will also help me to understand a little bit of the student's personality.  I would also make sure to ask the previous instructor what the student struggled with, and what they excel at.  If I knew what to focus on and what doesn't need work, it would help me to tailor the instruction to the student's needs.
The first time I met with the student I would make sure to ask what they are most comfortable with, and what they want to work on.  This would also help me to tailor the instruction, and it might tell me about the student's personality.  For example, if the student claims to have no weaknesses, they might have a pretty strong hazardous attitude.  I would also want to ask the student what they hope to do with the license/rating they are working on.  Depending on if the person wants to be a weekend warrior or an airline pilot, I might use different approaches to motivate them.
To figure out where the student is in their ground knowledge, I think I would casually ask them basic questions at random times.  If they answer correctly and are sure of themselves in one area, I would assume that they are pretty strong in that subject.  If they are unsure of the answer or answer wrongly, I would dig deeper to see what they don't understand.