The sim is the way!
I am also an rc instructor. I too have seen both types of students, those with previous sim time and without. After being in this hobby nearly 20 years, I have seen many inthusiastic new pilots spend thier hard earned 300-400 bucks on a trainer only to crash the first or second time out and never fly again. This does not build our sport. Teaching your brain subconsiously how to apply correct inputs with hours of sim time is a very valuable tool, and will no doubt give the new rc pilot confidence and shorten the learning time required to solo.
This is money well spent not only for learning basic maneuvers, but to continue learning advanced flying. Also learning new types of aircraft.
examle: My 15 year old son practiced(played) on my simulator as though it was a video game for about 6 months. He never wanted to come to the field and learn. Well, last month he decided he might like to try it. He and myself put together a superstunts 40 over the last couple weeks. Last weekend, after I maidened and trimmed her I landed it. He fueled her up , then he taxied out, took off, flew 10 min, and landed without a buddy box.
Best money you will ever spend!