Instructing circuit flying
I need help for an article I am writing about flying training from a (mature!) student perspective.
When it came to learning circuits, my instructor's approach was total immersion. In other words I had to fly a busy four minute circuit and do the checks and make all the radio calls from the start. This with full ATC, usually in blustery weather and with gliders and helicopters around just to keep me really busy.
After the first session, and with sweat dripping, I asked the instructor why circuit flying was not taught sequentially - fly the circuits first, then when competent add the checks then when that is together add the radio work. His response was to the effect that that was how it was done and probably based on RAF practice. From talking to other instructors in other clubs I gather that this is how circuits are usually taught.
As someone who trains trainers I do know and teach that we have different learning styles (David Kolb is the reference) and that trainers should modify their approach to meet the preferred style of the student. I learn best by reading up, listening and then trying it out - others learn better by doing.
Can anyone tell me why circuits are taught the way they are, please, and are instructors taught to take account of the varying learning styles? For anyone interested in learning a bit more of learning style theory there is a useful site at www/nwlink/~donclark/hrd/sat4.htm.
Thanks in anticipation