Article in AOPA Flight Training a while back about this very subject:
Flight Training: Short Field Approaches and Landing
A quick check of the C152, C172, PA28 and Cirrus POH shows that this is recommended procedure for Short Field Landings [see section 4, Normal Procedures].
As a UK instructor, having taught at some of the biggest schools, I've never heard of this
Well it's in the syllabus....and the skills test. Where did you say you taught?
PPL Syllabus: Exercise 13.9
PERFORMANCE (MINIMUM LANDING DISTANCE) APPLICATION
See Standards Document 10 (A) Appendix 4 for the exercise number...
http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/175/Sectio...R-FCL%201_.pdf
See Appendix 2 to JAR-FCL 1.135 and FCL684: Contents of the Skill Test for the issue of a PPL (A), section 4b. See also Standards Document 19 (A).
ifitaint...
Edited to add Cessna 152 and Cirrus aircraft....