FAA Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI)Planning Instructional Activity and Instructor ResponsibilitiesEasy
Before designing a new private pilot ground school curriculum, an instructor surveys prospective students to determine their existing aviation knowledge and what skills they still need to develop. What planning step does this represent?
- ANeeds assessment
- BStage check
- CSpiral technique
- DPostflight critique
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Needs assessment
A needs assessment is the initial step in course development that identifies the gap between what students already know and what they need to learn, guiding the design of course objectives and content.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. A stage check evaluates progress mid-course, not initial curriculum design.
- C. The spiral technique is a review method used during lessons, not initial planning.
- D. A postflight critique occurs after a lesson, not before course design.
Needs Assessment
The first step in course development where an instructor identifies students' existing knowledge/skills and what training is needed to reach course objectives.
- Occurs before course design begins
- Identifies gaps between current and required knowledge/skills
- Guides development of course objectives and content
Memory trick: Needs Assessment is the flashlight 🔦 that reveals the gap before you build the bridge