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Planning Instructional Activities

After developing a course of training, an instructor plans course content around the objectives and standards outlined in that course.

Blocks of Learning​

Blocks are units of learning that cover a single part of the overall course objective.

  • Blocks should build upon one another
  • Given the learners background, the blocks should be sequenced accordingly
  • Blocks can provide checkpoints for the learner, which can boost confidence

Aviation Instructor's Handbook pg. 7-2

Training Syllabus​

A syllabus should be a brief but comprehensive outline of the blocks in a training course.

  • A good syllabus will have well-defined objectives for each lesson
  • A syllabus needs to be flexible enough to adapt to the learners needs, and other disruptions
  • Blocks may need to be reordered as required
  • Each lesson should include risk management elements to help the learner identify them
  • An enhanced syllabus can also include records about each objective

Aviation Instructor's Handbook pg. 7-3

Lesson Plans​

A lesson plan is an outline for a single instructional period.

  • Lesson plans should be put into writing
  • They can make for excellent record-keeping

Aviation Instructor's Handbook pg. 7-7

Purpose of the Lesson Plan​

  • Wisely select materials
  • Make sure each part is covered
  • Help the instructor present efficiently
  • Provide an outline
  • Help relate the material to the objectives
  • Give inexperienced instructors confidence
  • Promote uniformity among multiple instructors

Aviation Instructor's Handbook pg. 7-8

Characteristics of a Well-Planned Lesson​

  • Unity
  • Content
  • Scope
  • Practicality
  • Flexibility
  • Relation to course of training
  • Instruction steps

Lesson Plan Format​

  • Lesson objective
  • Completion standards
  • Content