[Elecraft] [OT] Suggested techniques for teaching CW?

[Alan Bloom]

On Fri, 2009-05-08 at 10:38 -0700, TF3KX wrote:

> ... I am interested in establishing CW courses for those new amateurs who
> may want to learn CW, and I am seeking advice from those of you who have
> experience.  For example...
> 
> - General suggestions for methods (Koch, etc.)

The most important advice is that the student must study every day, even
if only for a few minutes.  10 minutes per day, every day, is much
better than 70 minutes once per week.

> - Software and other tools for class teaching and individual practice
> between classes
> - Teaching methodologies and approaches (frequency of classes, length,
> character groups,...)

Most classes I have been involved with meet once or twice a week.  But
that is not sufficient to learn the code - the students must practice at
home every day.  (See above comment.)

More than 20-30 minutes of time spent receiving in a single session is
not very useful.  The mind tires too quickly.

It is helpful to have the students spend some time sending to each
other, one-on-one.  It makes the class more interesting as well as
giving practice sending.

> - Other activities to support and encourage (kit building, on-air
> sessions,..)

On-the-air practice is fun and motivating, but wait until the students
have a firm grasp of all the required code characters.  Otherwise it is
too frustrating for them.

> 73 - Kristinn, TF3KX

Al N1AL