The student holds his thumb on TOP of the elevator/aileron stick and I have my thumb and forefinger UNDERNEATH the student's thumb. This way we can both feel what each other is doing.
It's so easy and safe to let anyone takeoff and land on their very first lesson using this method. Also, it's just as safe and easy to transition a second flight ever beginner to a much more advanced aircraft. So, when someone says that he wants to buy a scale type airplane, or brings one with him to the field, I can give him some sticktime on that plane. There are 3 hobby shops I'm helping sell trainers and scale kits and ARF's using this method.

Also, it is great for just giving people a test flight just so they can see how easy learning to fly anything can really be.

There is a bit more to it than just finger placement, like very informative communication.

Take care,
CCR
http://www.kites.org/rc_instructors