Definition
A teaching delivery method in which the instructor presents material in a planned but conversational way, actively encouraging student participation through questions, comments, and discussion throughout the session.
Plain English
A relaxed, two-way style of teaching where the instructor talks through the topic but invites students to speak up, ask questions, and join the conversation as it goes.
Context Anchor
Seen in aviation instructor training when choosing how to present a ground lesson, briefing, or classroom topic.
Derivation
Informal comes from Latin in- (not) plus formalis (according to fixed form), so literally 'not bound by strict form.' Lecture comes from Latin lectura, meaning 'a reading.' Together: a teaching talk that isn't locked into a rigid script.
Why Pilots Care
Helps instructors adjust explanations in real time during ground training, reducing confusion and keeping students engaged.
Intuition Check
Do not read informal as meaning unplanned or careless. An informal lecture is still organized; it is simply delivered in a more conversational and interactive way.
Example Sentence 1
The CFI used an informal lecture to cover airspace rules, pausing often to ask the student what type of airspace they thought each example showed.
Example Sentence 2
During the weather briefing, an informal lecture helped the student connect cloud types to actual flight decisions.