Definition
A teaching style in which the instructor directs the learning process by selecting the material, presenting the information, and controlling the pace and direction of the lesson, while the student primarily receives and absorbs what is taught.
Plain English
The instructor leads, talks, and decides what gets covered; the student mostly listens and follows along.
Context Anchor
Seen in the Aviation Instructor’s Handbook when comparing traditional teaching with problem-based learning.
Derivation
Built from 'instructor' (the one who teaches) and 'centered' (the focal point). The phrase signals that the instructor — not the student — is the focal point of the lesson.
Why Pilots Care
Knowing when to use this method helps instructors deliver critical safety information efficiently before shifting to more student-driven practice.
Intuition Check
Instructor-centered does not mean the instructor is being selfish or unhelpful. It means the lesson is organized around what the instructor presents and controls, rather than around the student’s own problem-solving.
Example Sentence 1
The ground school used an instructor-centered approach, with the CFI lecturing on weather theory while the students took notes.
Example Sentence 2
For teaching immediate-action emergency procedures, many CFIs begin with an instructor-centered approach to ensure every step is understood precisely.