A practical lesson plan focused on developing effective questioning and intervention skills when something does not feel right. Designed for Crew Resource Management (CRM) and human factors training.
The session focuses on how the way we ask questions can either shut down or open up thinking. Through practical exercises, participants explore how open questions can be used as a powerful intervention tool to interrupt fixation, invite reflection, and change the course of events in high-risk situations.
+ Main topic: Effective communication and coordination between all crew members
+ Related topics: Individual and team responsibilities; decision-making; team behaviour synergy; co-operation
+ Training length: 20 – 40 minutes
+ Included: 6x group work scenarios, group exercise, lesson plan with instructor notes, PowerPoint slides
+ Access: Instant download after payment
+ File formats: Pdf and PowerPoint
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Intuitive design
CORE ELEMENTS
The lesson plan is built around hands-on exercises and guided
reflection. You lead participants through a simple questioning exercise that highlights the difference between closed and open questions, and how each influences thinking and
information flow. Using real accident and incident scenarios, participants practise formulating open questions that could have challenged decisions. Facilitated discussion show how open questions engage thinking, interrupt tunnel vision, and support safer decision-making.
INCLUDED
A fully structured session with clear trainer guidance. The complete training package includes lesson plan with trainer notes, PowerPoint slides, and six scenario handouts. The material is designed to be easy to use and adaptable, allowing you to deliver the session with confidence.
LENGTH
Designed to be flexible and can be used as a stand-alone session or as part of a longer CRM or Human Factors programme. It can be adjusted to allow more time for discussion and reflection, with trainer notes indicating where the session can be shortened or expanded depending on time and group dynamics. When delivered as a stand-alone session, the lesson takes approximately 20–40 minutes.
The Questioning and Intervention Techniques Lesson Plan is designed as a practical facilitation tool. Rather than telling people to “speak up,” the lesson focuses on how to intervene.
The session is particularly well suited for CRM and Human Factors training, but also works effectively for flight instructors, healthcare educators, and trainers working in safety-critical or high-pressure environments where timely and effective intervention can prevent escalation. While aviation-inspired, the learning is not aviation-dependent and transfers easily across domains.
Developed by trainers for trainers, the lesson provides a structured way to practise questioning as a safety tool – helping participants leave with a clearer sense of how to intervene when it matters most.
We have gathered the most frequently asked questions from our customers to help you in the best way possible
The questioning and intervention lesson plan is designed for trainers working with communication, intervention, and human factors in complex or high-pressure environments, including CRM and Human Factors trainers, flight instructors, healthcare educators, and safety trainers.
The purpose of the lesson is to help participants develop practical questioning skills and understand how open questions can be used to interrupt fixation, reveal assumptions, and support safer decision-making.
No. The learning points are universal. The lesson can be delivered effectively by trainers from non-aviation backgrounds.
For this lesson you will need a flip chart or whiteboard. Nothing else is required.
Yes. The lesson is highly relevant for healthcare settings, where questioning and timely intervention are critical.
