FAA Instrument Flight Instructor (FII)Instructional TechniquesHard
A CFII gives feedback to a student by saying, 'Your scan is good overall, but you consistently let the altimeter drift 150 feet low during turns; work on cross-checking pitch during bank changes.' Which characteristic of effective constructive criticism does this feedback BEST demonstrate?
- AIt is vague and generalized to avoid discouraging the student
- BIt focuses on personality traits rather than performance
- CIt withholds any positive comment to emphasize the deficiency
- DIt is specific, identifying the exact error and how to correct it
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. It is specific, identifying the exact error and how to correct it
Effective criticism must be specific, pinpointing the exact behavior (altimeter drift during turns) and providing a clear path to correction (cross-check pitch during bank changes). Vague, personality-focused, or entirely negative feedback fails to give the student actionable information for improvement.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The feedback given is specific, not vague, so this does not match.
- B. The feedback addresses a flying behavior, not the student's personality.
- C. The instructor opened with a positive acknowledgment ('scan is good overall') rather than withholding it entirely.
Effective Constructive Criticism
Feedback that is sincere, specific, timely, and focused on behavior rather than personality to help a student improve.
- Must be specific and actionable
- Should be given promptly after the observed behavior
- Focuses on performance/behavior, not the person
- Sincerity builds trust and receptiveness
Memory trick: SSPB: Sincere, Specific, Prompt, Behavior-focused feedback builds better pilots