FAA Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI)Planning Instructional Activity and Instructor ResponsibilitiesHard
A flight instructor follows a published training syllabus but reorders certain lessons because a particular student is struggling far more with crosswind landings than the syllabus anticipated. This best illustrates which principle of instructional planning?
- AEvery student must follow an identical lesson sequence per FAA regulation
- BA syllabus should serve as a flexible guide adapted to individual student needs
- CStruggling students should be removed from the training course
- DSyllabi must never be modified once published
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. A syllabus should serve as a flexible guide adapted to individual student needs
A training syllabus is a planning tool, not a rigid contract; instructors are expected to adapt lesson sequencing to meet the needs of individual students while still working toward the same overall course objectives. Rigid, unmodifiable sequencing is not required or appropriate.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. No FAA regulation mandates identical sequencing for every student.
- C. Struggling with one maneuver does not warrant removal from training; it warrants adjusted instruction.
- D. This is the opposite of good instructional practice; syllabi are meant to be adapted.
Syllabus Flexibility
A training syllabus serves as a flexible guide for course planning that instructors should adapt to fit individual student needs while still meeting overall course objectives.
- Not a rigid, unchangeable document
- Adjustments may include reordering, adding practice, or extra lessons
- Ultimate goal (course objectives) remains constant even as the path adapts
Memory trick: A syllabus is a GPS route—reroute around the traffic jam, but keep the same destination.