I think Debra has presented a balanced view of what's really going on in the wild. Because of the way that surveyed individuals were selected, it probably is weighted a little more heavily toward longer courses, since the crash-course students and instructors probably don't purchase the ARRL license manuals. Be that as it may, I think the idea of providing flexible guidance to instructors is excellent, and would also indicate to all that we as ARRL are not living in the past.

When I teach the Tech class, I tell students that getting their ticket is like getting a learner's permit for driving a car. No one expects young drivers to know how to drive a car just because they've passed the written test. So, too, with the newly minted Tech licensees.

This underscores the need Debra has identified for follow-up courses to help new Techs actually get on the air. I've heard of a variety of approaches to doing this, and we have also evolved one in my local club. Perhaps it is time for instructors to share ideas on how to do this. This won't be an instant solution to the problem of changing licensees into hams, but it will be a supportive start to teachers and clubs willing to expend a little more effort to ensure the success of their students.

To me, one of the most heart-breaking things that can happen in ham radio is for a person to get their license and then never get on the air. We should be able to decrease the incidence of this regression by providing appropriate, supportive suggestions on how to get people on the air, and then ensure they keep coming back.

73,

Greg, K0GW

On Wed, Jan 29, 2014 at 2:53 PM, Kramer, Harold, WJ1B <wj1b@arrl.org> wrote:

It might be easier to read if I actually attach the file!

Thanks, Mike L and others.

Regards/73,

Harold

Harold Kramer, WJ1B

ARRL Chief Operating Officer

860 594 0220

From: Kramer, Harold, WJ1B
Sent: Wednesday, January 29, 2014 3:41 PM
To: arrl-odv
Cc: Johnson, Debra K1DMJ
Subject: Report on Feasiblity and Benefits of Shorter Training Sessions

You will find attached the report as requested by motion Frenaye 1 from the July 2013 Board Meeting. Tom has reviewed the report and he has recommended that it be sent to all Board Members. I agree with his recommendation.

This report was written by Debra Johnson, K1DMJ, the Manager of our Education Services Department. Debra put a lot of thought and research into this report and I found that it contains some excellent information and recommendations.

The Motion asked “That staff be directed to investigate the feasibility, benefits, and costs of preparing training materials crafted for shorter training sessions, such as weekend, 3 day , 4 day, evening etc.”

            You can direct any questions or comments directly to Debra who I have cc’ed on this email.

            73,

            Harold

Harold Kramer, WJ1B

Chief Operating Officer

ARRL -the national association for Amateur Radio

225 Main Street

Newington, CT 06111

(860) 594 -0220

www.arrl.org

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