Point....

Again using our club as an example:

We use a tiered program. First the aforementioned ground school, then regular instruction through one of our club's instructors, then the student must solo and prove himself to the chief instructor (Vice President) or one of his duly designated representatives.

So I guess I agree, that a structured system would be best for the student, and in the long run, general safety.

I learned to fly on a Stick 40, then a Superstar 40. I had a very patient instructor, (he is still instructing my grandfather after 5 years).
He made sure that I knew what I was doing before I soloed (this was before we instituted the tiered system). I still wrecked a couple of planes after I received my certification, but I think that was more in the process of feeling my oats as it were. Students will be able to fly most times after they have finished instruction, but the experience is what they lack, and unfortunately, the only way to gain experience is to screw up.

"You will learn infinitely more from your own mistakes, than you will from the mistakes of others"

"IF" this video that is referenced will help to reinforce the lessons that are taught at the field, rather than replace them, I think it is a good idea. But face to face is still the best way, and I think the tiered system should be researched for all clubs (J_R, you can insert on a case to case basis in here), and instituted if applicable.

Jay