The special techniques for developing competencies in word processing taught in the typing class

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the techniques to be used in a typewriting class that would develop competencies in word processsing. The study was done to identify techniques and drills that relate to typing to improve competencies in word processing. To gather the data and information needed to complete the study, questionnaires were developed and completed by students in Intermediate Typing, Advanced Typing and Word Processing classes at Ronan High School. Fifty-one students responded to the questionnaire. The data collected were presented in tabular form so the responses could be compared and interpreted. The conclusions were: 1) a majority of the respondents surveyed rated all the techniques as above average of importance; 2) a significant number indicated more stress should be placed on speed and accuracy; 3) when doing production skill development, over two-thirds indicated more emphasis is needed on practice material that is similar to the job and to correct errors; 4) sixty percent indicated that proofreading was important for success in terms of the overall ability to make a good typist; 5) the ability to spell, punctuate, and capitalize was rated very important by 77 percent of the respondents; 6) competence in listening and following directions emerges as being of primary importance by almost three-fourth of the respondents. The writer made the following recommendations in regard to the study: 1) business teachers need to continue to emphasize correct technique at the typewriter, especially the home row, eyes on your copy, and the position of the body including the fingers; 2) teachers at all levels of learning need to place more emphasis on speed and accuracy; 3) business teachers need to place more emphasis on proofreading in the typewriting class to include reading the material for content, grammar, numbers, and statistics; 4) business teachers need a through mastery of grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and the use of rules for writing numbers, dividing words, so they can incorporate them into a typewriting class; 5) it is recommended that this study be replicated with business teachers, and secretaries to determine their preceptions on this topic.