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.