Plain English Meaning

The instructor tells the student up front what they are going to learn, why it matters, what the instructor is about to show them, and what the student will be asked to do once the demonstration is finished.

Full Definition

In the demonstration-performance training method, the explanation is the first phase, in which the instructor states the objective of the lesson, describes what is about to be demonstrated, identifies the key elements and procedures involved, and tells the student what the student will be expected to do afterward. It establishes the purpose, standards, and frame of reference for the demonstration that follows.

Context Anchor

Seen in flight training discussions, especially when an instructor explains a task before demonstrating it or before the student tries it.

Derivation

From the Latin 'explanare', meaning 'to make level' or 'to flatten out'. The idea is that an explanation smooths out a topic so the student can see it clearly before being asked to attempt it.