Knowledge of the fundamentals of instructing is a common
requirement for all flight instructors. The FAA has produced
FAA-H-8083-9, "Aviation Instructor's Handbook" to provide
information about this subject.
For US FAA instructors, the standard for teaching is
outlined in
http://www.fergworld.com/cfi/pdf/FOI..._Reference.pdf
The Gleim FOI prep book is excellent and cheap ($9 or so).
From reading some of the posts, it seems some students do
not get enough explanation or demonstration before being
asked to do the manuever (and then doing it wrong).
It is much better to do it right the first time (the
Law of Primacy).
I like and use the technique of programmed instruction,
and do my best to get students to do things right the
first time. Key to this has been having the students
tell me what to do while I fly the plane, or sometimes
dividing duties (they do flaps and I do stick) so
they aren't overwhelmed.
Teaching is rich with techniques, principles, and
diversity. When you find an instructor that
fits your best way of learning, you'll feel comfortable.