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Ground Training Syllabus
Flight Lessons
Printable Study Aids
Instructor Material
Reference Videos
Links & Resources
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ELEMENTS
⦁ Definitions of Human Behavior
⦁ Human Needs and Motivation
⦁ Defense Mechanisms
⦁ Learner Emotional Reactions
⦁ Basic Elements of Communication
⦁ Barriers to Effective Communication
⦁ Developing Communication Skills
DEFINITIONS OF HUMAN BEHAVIOR
Scientific World Definition
"Product of factors that cause people to act in predictable ways".
Satisfying Needs Definition
The result of attempts to satisfy certain needs.
Life Course of Humans Definition
As humans grow, behavior changes.
Personality Types
Structured due to differences in way individuals prefer to use their perception & judgment.
Instructor and Learner Relationship
Instructor must understand their style of teaching and as much as possible adapt to learners.
Control of Human Behavior
Learners tend to submit to authority as a valid means of control.
HUMAN NEEDS AND MOTIVATION
"An organization of human needs into levels of importance."
Until the needs are satisfied, one can’t focus fully on learning or any other task.
Once a need is satisfied, it no longer provides motivation.
Physiological
Biological needs: Food, rest, and protection from the elements
Security
Protection against danger, threats, deprivation affect learner behavior
Belonging
To give and receive friendship and love.
Esteem
(Internal) - Confidence, independence, achievement, competence, knowledge.
(External) - Status, recognition, appreciation, and respect of associates
Cognitive
The need to know and understand.
Self-Actualization
Reaching personal goals and potential.
DEFENSE MECHANISMS
"A subconscious, almost automatic, ego-protecting reactions to unpleasant situations."
Used to soften feelings of failure, to alleviate feelings of guilt, and to protect personal worth.
Repression
Uncomfortable thoughts are placed in inaccessible areas of the unconscious mind.
Denial
Refusal to accept a reality because it is too threatening.
Compensation
Disguising the presence of a weak quality by emphasizing a more positive one.
Projection
Blame is relegated to others for their own shortcomings, mistakes, and transgressions.
Rationalization
Subconscious technique for justifying actions that otherwise would be unacceptable.
(When true rationalization takes place, individuals sincerely believe in their excuses)
Reaction Formation
Protect from dangerous desires by developing opposite attitudes / behaviors.
Fantasy
Daydreaming about how things should be rather than doing something about how they are.
Displacement
Unconscious shift in emotion from the original object to a less threatening substitute.
LEARNER EMOTIONAL REACTIONS
Anxiety
“A state of mental uneasiness arising from fear…”
Most significant psychological factor affecting flight instruction.
Impatience
Seeks only the ultimate objective without considering the means to reach it.
Worry or Lack of Interest
Those worried or emotionally upset are not ready to learn and derive little benefit from instruction.
Physical Discomfort, Illness, Fatigue, and Dehydration
Fatigue: Impairs judgement / decision making.
Acute Fatigue: Normal occurrence of everyday living.
Chronic Fatigue: Combination of physiological / psychological problems (financial, home, etc.)
Dehydration: Critical loss of water to the body. Reduces alertness.
Heatstroke: Inability of the body to control its temperature.
Apathy Due to Inadequate Instruction
Provide well-planned and accurate instruction.
Instruction should be meaningful. Teach to the level of the learner. Be professional
Once the instructor loses confidence, it is difficult to regain, and learning is diminished.
Normal Reactions to Stress
People respond rapidly and exactly, within the limits of their experience and training.
Stress should not overwhelm and cause abnormal reactions.
Abnormal Reactions to Stress
Response may be random, illogical, completely absent or at least inadequate.
Over-cooperation, extreme self-control, inappropriate laughter / singing, rapid emotion changes.
Flight Instructors Actions Regarding Seriously Abnormal Learners
Refrain from instructing the learner.
Arrange for another instructor to conduct an evaluation flight.
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