FAA Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI)Human Behavior and Effective CommunicationMedium
During a post-flight debrief, an instructor first tells the student, 'Your radio calls were clear and professional today,' then explains, 'Your traffic pattern altitude drifted 200 feet low on downwind—let's work on that,' and finally adds, 'Overall, your landings show real progress.' What is the primary purpose of structuring feedback this way?
- ATo guarantee the student will pass the next stage check
- BTo avoid ever having to criticize the student's performance
- CTo satisfy an FAA-mandated order for debriefing student pilots
- DTo preserve the student's motivation and self-esteem while still delivering necessary correction
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. To preserve the student's motivation and self-esteem while still delivering necessary correction
Framing constructive criticism between genuine positive comments (a 'praise sandwich') helps the student stay receptive and motivated rather than defensive, while still ensuring the necessary correction is clearly communicated.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Feedback structure improves receptiveness but does not guarantee any checkride outcome.
- B. The instructor still delivers clear criticism about the altitude deviation; it is not avoided.
- C. There is no FAA-mandated debrief sequence; this is an instructional communication technique.
Praise and Criticism (Sandwich Technique)
An instructional communication technique that surrounds necessary corrective feedback with genuine positive comments to maintain student motivation.
- Protects the student's self-concept during correction
- Keeps students receptive rather than defensive
- Criticism must still be specific and honest, not diluted
Memory trick: 'Sandwich the Sting' — good news, correction, good news.