I just started instructing and got a great tip from a guy who's been doing it for several years. While the student is flying, move the sticks the way YOU would move them. Then if you suddenly have to take back control the sticks are already where you want them...instant recovery. I found it also kept me from saying "right" when I meant "left", because my hands know what to do, and nothing gets lost in translation if I just tell the student to do what my hands are doing. Also, once the student is doing most of the flying, you don't get caught suddenly having to bail him out when you've let your attention relax! Of course, you would never relax your attention, right? Me neither...if I'm moving the sticks.

The guy who gave me the tip likes to get people on the box without much talking. Explain what the controls do, get them going. As someone said, one principle before a lesson is sensible. I do think the aerodynamics are valuable, but explanations can come in small pieces as you go along.

I taught myself on a 2 channel .049 all-balsa trainer, so I never went through the student process with an instructor. I had learned a lot from free flight and control line before I started RC. I think that makes it hard for me to put myself in the student's shoes, so I listen in on other instructors and do what makes sense to me.

Jim