What are the main objectives teaching of type-writing skill?

The objectives of teaching type-writing skill can be summarised as follows:

1. To Develop the Ability to Operate Type-writer efficiently

(a) Students should display good practice in key-strokes and in machine manipulation.

(b) Student should understand the mechanism of machines.

(c) The pupils should arrange his material so as to have an orderly flow of work through his type-writer.

(d) The Pupil should lode after the machine carefully.

2. To Have Correct Knowledge of English and to apply it

(a) Should have knowledge of rules for spacing etc.

(b) Should know how to punctuate, use capitals and numbers in the material.

(c) Should know the procedure of setting of forms of letters.

(d) Should know the rules for word divisions in terms of letters.

(e) Should know the method of setting up a manuscript copy.

3. Developing Ability to use the Machine

(a) Should know the drafting of copies of writing, again editing and copying later.

(b) Should know how to think as he types.

(c) Should know to prepare a usable copy by making neat erasures.

4. Developing Habits of Corrections

(a) Should develop high standards for net work

Teaching Alphabets of the Key-board of Type-Machine

Various methods of teaching of type writing skill such as Home- row method First Finger Method etc., have already been discussed.

The general principles in teaching the key board are as given below

1. To begin with the student should practice two, three or four letters.

2. In the beginning only those strokes be used which promote good and easy stroking

3. Pairing of keys, which do not promote easy stroking should be avoided.

4. Stroking of keys should be in continuity and not in isolation.

5. Try to follow a fixed pattern out of the new keys.

6. Teacher should give a correct demonstration about new keys which should be correctly imitated by students.

Guidelines and Principles for Teaching Numbers & Symbols

Dr. Khan has given following guidelines for teaching numbers and symbols :

1. Touch method applies to the numbers and symbols also.

2. Alphabets precede the numbers and symbols in learning type­writing.

3. Present numbers are continuous so that locational security is promoted.

4. Sight, sound and touch senses are to be used in teaching numbers and symbols.

5. Gradually abandon the home-row system.

6 The numbers and words are to be practised together after establishing initial skill to enhance number proficiency.

7. Adequate and purposeful practice should be provided in typing numbers and symbols.

Teaching of Numbers and Symbols

The four important methods of teaching of numbers and symbols are as under:

1. The Traditional Approach.

2. WE – 23 concepts.

3. Pipe organ Method.

4. Top-row Method.

1. Traditional Method. In this method both the hands are kept on the home -row and the respective fingers type out the numbers and symbols. If necessary the keys may be seen by the learner.

2. The Method of ‘WE-23’. In this method the learner is asked to type “WE” five times and then “23” five times. It helps in developing speed.

3. Pipe Organ Method. In this method left hand operates the keys and the right hand remains on the home-row.

4. Tope-row Method. In this method both the hands come up on the top-row and it is operated accordingly.

Method of Teaching Type-writing

The methods generally used are as follows:

(i) Demonstration Method.

(ii) Apprentice Method

(iii) Problem solving Method.

(iv) Experimental Method.

Development of Mechanical Skill in Type-writing

For development of mechanical skills in type-writing following are essential:

(i) Correct movement of fingers.

(ii) Correct demonstration by the teacher.

(iii) Imitation and correct practice by the students must follow the teacher’s demonstration.

(iv) To type any given material with confidence.

Speed and Accuracy

Speed and accuracy are two important things that we lode for in type writing skill. It is the duty of the teacher to see that the student’s gains speed with accuracy. Any deficiency in these may be considered as a failure on the part of the teacher.

It has been opined that, “When a person a properly skilled in operating type-writer, he does not look at the key of the machine. The strokes are automatic and there is not necessity of conscious application of mind, one is required to take certain definite steps in acquiring a skill. The teacher should be habitual demonstrator in teaching type- learning, short-hand and book-keeping. In typing the sitting position of typist, position of the machine, the distance from the machines should be ideal and should be demonstrated by the teacher. The learner should proceed from easy to difficult. First he can start from printed matter and later on start from hand-written copy. The teacher should teach the working methods of the type-writer and demonstrate every activity. He should issue necessary instructions at each step of practice, till the learner becomes master in the desired skill. Certainly ‘Practice makes the man perfect’ . The learner should first master to do the skill accurately and then start increasing his speed”.

Tonne, Propham and Freeman have suggested the main features of an expert performance as under :

1. Establishment and maintenance of a steady even flow of motion.

2. Easy and economical movements.

3. Performance unhampered by nervous tension and hurry.

4. Concentration upon the task at hand.

5. Intelligent use of senses. 1 he expert sees, hears and feels each correct technique used.