METHODS OF HANDLING
Speed Studies is readily adaptable to three general methods of use. Preceding the work under any of the plans, however, a thorough study should be made of "Foundations of Speed and Accuracy."
First Plan. The first plan contemplates the use of Speed Studies Simultaneously with the Gregg Shorthand Manual, a corresponding lesson in Speed Studies being assigned with each Manual lesson. This plan probably will secure the most satisfactory results, as it makes possible early dictation, and a complete welding of theory with practice.
Second Plan. With the second plan, Gregg Speed Studies is intended to be introduced after the student has completed the Gregg Shorthand Manual, the aim being to use the early "speed studies" and drills as a review. Emphasis should be placed upon the reading and dictation drills provided in the shorthand plates.
Third Plan. In the third plan, the material presented in the "studies" and the executional drills contained in the first eight lessons, may be introduced as supplementary material to the Manual. From Study VIII on to XXI the work may be concentrated wholly on the reading and dictation material in the shorthand plates, and the "studies" held for convenient assignments with the dictation material contained in Studies XXI-XXX after the Gregg Shorthand Manual has been completed.
An alternative plan which will be used by some teachers is to employ the shorthand plates of Speed Studies beginning with Study VII and postpone assigning the introductory studies of each lesson until the Gregg Shorthand Manual has been completed.
Advanced Work. Attention of teachers is directed particularly to the material for reading and dictation beginning with Study XXI. This section of the book is intended to be introduced with the advanced work in business schools, and in the third semester in high schools. By dividing the reading and dictation material and vocabulary into convenient assignments, Studies XXI-XXX may be completed in one semester, leaving the last semester of high school free for the more advanced work of new dictation, transcribing and office training.
Divisions of Material in Studies. Each lesson is composed of, first, a "study" of material vital in the acquirement of speed and accuracy; second, shorthand plates (beginning with Study VII) for reading and dictation practice; third, vocabulary drills at the bottom of the shorthand pages.
Method of Handling the Studies. The work on the introductory part of each "study" should be assigned and handled exactly as a textbook lesson should be, emphasis being placed upon practical drills in writing.
Method of Handling Shorthand Plates. These should be assigned for practice in reading, and a sufficient number of copies required to insure familarity with the forms; after which dictation should be given until facility in writing is secured.
Method of Handling Vocabulary. After the shorthand plate has been read, the vocabulary words given at the bottom of each page should be assigned for practice until the forms are mastered. The preparation of the vocabulary should, of course, precede the dictation.
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