Definition
A method of skill instruction in which the instructor first explains the procedure or maneuver step by step and then performs it while the student observes. The student does not attempt the task during this phase; the purpose is to give the student a clear verbal description paired with a correct demonstration before any hands-on attempt is made.
Plain English
The instructor talks the student through what is going to happen, then shows it being done correctly, while the student watches and listens.
Context Anchor
Seen in flight instructor training when learning how to teach a maneuver, checklist item, or cockpit procedure step by step.
Why Pilots Care
Allows the student to form a clear mental picture of the maneuver before attempting it, reducing early errors and building confidence during flight training.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as a general lecture method. In this FAA teaching sequence, it specifically means the instructor is both explaining and performing the action during the first demonstration.
Example Sentence 1
Before the student attempted a steep turn, the instructor used the Instructor Tells—Instructor Does method, narrating each control input while flying the maneuver.
Example Sentence 2
Using Instructor Tells—Instructor Does during the briefing helped the student recognize proper control inputs before attempting the maneuver solo.