Plain English Meaning

A way of teaching where students learn by tackling realistic problems instead of just listening to lectures. The instructor sets up a real-world flying situation, and the student has to think it through and decide what to do.

Full Definition

An instructional approach in which learners develop knowledge and skills by working through realistic, open-ended problems rather than by receiving information passively. The instructor presents a scenario drawn from real-world flight operations, and learners must analyze it, gather relevant information, weigh options, and arrive at a defensible solution. The problem is the starting point for learning, not a test applied at the end.

Context Anchor

Seen in aviation instructor training, especially when discussing how to build judgment, decision-making, and higher- thinking in .