a good understanding of the curcuit is dependant upon the explanation of all upper air work done before entering the pattern -a good explaination of why the approach to land/departure/trim/accelerated stall etc are taught as well as the teaching of ground ref. maneuveres prior to introduction in the pattern gives the student a "reason" and assists them in the understanding of pattern procedures -what infuriates me is people defeating the purpose of pattern flying by being out of glide range !