Definition
A teaching approach in which new knowledge and skills are introduced in a deliberate sequence, with each step resting on the steps already mastered. Simple, foundational items are taught first, and more complex items are added only after the underlying material is understood and can be performed reliably.
Plain English
Learn the basics first, then stack the harder stuff on top. Each new thing the student learns sits on something they already know, so nothing is taught before the student is ready for it.
Context Anchor
Seen in flight training course design, lesson planning, and instructor discussions about the order in which skills should be taught.
Derivation
The phrase borrows from children's building blocks, where each block must rest on a stable one underneath. The image captures the core idea: skip a block and the structure becomes unstable.
Why Pilots Care
Reduces student confusion and dropout by ensuring no new material is introduced before the student is ready for it.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as simply doing easy things before hard things. It means each new lesson depends on earlier lessons being understood and usable.
Example Sentence 1
The instructor used a building block progression of learning, teaching straight-and-level flight before introducing turns, climbs, and descents.
Example Sentence 2
Using a building block progression of learning let the student master straight-and-level flight before attempting turns.