FAA Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI)Planning Instructional Activity and Instructor ResponsibilitiesMedium
A ground instructor is sequencing a training syllabus and wants to ensure simple tasks are taught before complex ones, and that each new lesson builds upon previously learned material. Which planning principle is being applied?
- AThe building block technique
- BThe law of primacy
- CThe law of intensity
- DCorrelation-based learning
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. The building block technique
The building block technique structures training so simpler tasks are mastered first and serve as a foundation for more complex tasks, ensuring proper progression through the syllabus.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. The law of primacy concerns first impressions being strongly retained, not sequencing.
- C. The law of intensity relates to vivid experiences aiding learning, not sequencing.
- D. Correlation involves relating knowledge to other learning, not syllabus structure.
Building Block Technique
An instructional planning method where simple, foundational tasks are taught first and support learning of more complex tasks later.
- Simple-to-complex progression
- Each lesson builds on prior lessons
- Prevents gaps in required knowledge/skill
Memory trick: Stack bricks low to high—can't skip a layer