PA-28 Cherokee/Archer/Dakota/Pillan/Warrior
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 92; Flight Crew Total 680; Flight Crew Type 600
Communication Breakdown; Training / Qualification; Situational Awareness
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors
While supervising the duties of PIC flight for a new student; the student was performing a short approach power off 180. The student turned in on a base leg; less than a mile from the runway and we lost sight of the runway due to a hill and trees (common for Runway XX at this airport). Upon realizing we were low; I told the student to climb twice; to which he did not respond. Finally he added power and began to climb. Tower inquired as to whether we could see the runway; to which I replied we were unable. They stated that the trees looked pretty high and I said 'the plane felt kind of low'.  I did not perceive that we were in danger of CFIT.
Flight Instructor on training flight reported low altitude on approach.