Definition
Observable, measurable actions or outputs that show a learner has achieved a specific desired behavior described in a lesson objective. In assessment design, indicators are the concrete signs an instructor watches for to confirm the learner is performing at the required standard.
Plain English
The visible signs that show a student is doing the right thing. They are the things an instructor can see, hear, or measure to know the student has actually learned what was being taught.
Context Anchor
Used by aviation instructors when choosing how to assess a learner’s performance, especially when deciding what to watch for during a lesson, scenario, or debrief.
Derivation
Indicator comes from the Latin indicare, meaning 'to point out.' An indicator literally points to whether the desired behavior is present or not.
Why Pilots Care
Enables instructors to judge student performance objectively and consistently against training objectives.
Intuition Check
Do not read “indicators” as guesses or opinions. In this context, indicators are observable signs. Do not read “desired behaviors” as vague qualities like “being good.” They are specific actions the instructor wants the learner to demonstrate.
Example Sentence 1
When designing the lesson, the instructor listed indicators of desired behaviors so the student would know exactly what a satisfactory steep turn looked like.
Example Sentence 2
Proper checklist use and clear radio calls served as indicators of desired behaviors during the preflight phase.