I use all methods in order to teach - it varies from student to student;
I had a guy who did not understand a word or picture I was trying to get across about VORs and radials........until I loaded Microsoft Flight Sim onto my lap top and demonstrated them on the sim.
It worked brilliantly and I now wish I had used it earlier -
I now use FS2004 all the time for IMC ratings as its so much easier than trying to explain on a whiteboard. Its also more relevant as these people only have two lessons a month, so its much more relevant and a more practical method of briefing.