FAA Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI)The Teaching Process and MethodsMedium
A ground instructor is teaching students how to complete the entire IFR flight plan filing process. Because the procedure has many closely related steps that build on each other and is not overly long, the instructor demonstrates the complete process in one continuous sequence rather than breaking it into isolated segments. Which instructional principle guided this decision?
- AThe material should be taught using the part method because it involves motor skills
- BThe material should be taught using the whole method because the task is short and highly organized
- CThe material should be taught using the part method because it is unfamiliar to the student
- DThe material should be taught using rote learning because it involves memorization only
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The material should be taught using the whole method because the task is short and highly organized
The whole method is generally more effective when the material is short, simple, and highly organized, since presenting it as a complete unit shows students how the parts relate. Complex, lengthy, or difficult material is better taught using the part method, breaking it into smaller segments for mastery before recombining.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Motor skill content alone does not determine whole vs. part; complexity and length do.
- C. Unfamiliarity alone doesn't dictate part method; it's the length/difficulty that matters.
- D. Rote learning is a level of learning, not a teaching method choice for whole/part instruction.
Whole vs. Part Learning Method
Instructional choice of teaching material as a complete unit (whole) or broken into smaller segments (part) based on the length, complexity, and organization of the material.
- Whole method suits short, simple, well-organized material
- Part method suits long, complex, or difficult material
- Combination method blends both approaches as needed
Memory trick: Short & Simple = Whole pie; Long & Hard = Cut into Parts