Definition
A step in writing a performance-based learning objective in which the instructor specifies the observable actions, products, or work samples that will be accepted as evidence the learner has achieved the objective. These indicators describe what the student must actually do or produce — such as recite, demonstrate, calculate, or land — so that performance can be directly observed and measured.
Plain English
When writing a learning goal, the instructor lists the specific things a student must do or show to prove they have learned it. These are the visible actions or finished tasks the instructor will look for.
Context Anchor
Seen in instructor training material when planning lessons, evaluating student performance, or describing what good pilot behavior looks like in practice.
Derivation
“Indicator” comes from a word meaning “to point out.” In this phrase, an indicator is something visible or noticeable that points to the behavior you are looking for. “Behavior” means what a person does, not just what they say they understand.
Why Pilots Care
Provides instructors with objective, measurable standards so training effectiveness can be verified rather than assumed.
Intuition Check
Do not read “desired behaviors” as a personality judgment. In this FAA instruction context, it means observable actions that show safe and effective performance.
Example Sentence 1
When writing the lesson objective for stall recovery, the instructor listed indicators of desired behaviors: recognize the stall warning, reduce angle of attack, add power, and return to coordinated flight.
Example Sentence 2
During the post-flight debrief the CFI reviewed the listed indicators/samples of desired behaviors to confirm the student had met the standards for the maneuver.