Selecting Methods

Selecting a method in which to teach a subject, many things should be considered. These thing can be summarized by four main categories; The type of learning characterisitics of the student, content of the subject, prefered teaching method of instructor, and the context in which the subject will be taught. The last of the categories is very important. One would teach very differently towards a class of students as opposed to a one on one session. Perhaps a discussion might be more appropriate in a classroom setting where as independent projects may be more appropriate along with an interactive learning approach.
Accounting for the content of a subject is also very important. It is very ineffective to teach a subject such as flight computer computations using a group project approach because the student(s) do not know how to use the computer at first.
Obviously knowing how the student learns best is key in being a successful teacher. Each student has a different way in which they learn best and the closer we can align the subject matter appropriately with the specific learning style, the greater the chance of the student retaining the information.
The last subject we haven't touched on is the teaching preference of the instructor. The instructor must be able to understand how best to present the material and must be comfortable with it. If they are not, increased possibility of errors and misunderstanding can occur between student and instructor.
Teaching students cockpit resource management and flight crew management is very well suited to use role play. The students are put into a situation where they must imagin that they are on a real flight and must work together in order to be successful. The real life experience makes it very a very effective learning style for some situations.