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- When learning to keyboard, pacing is one instructional
- method that speeds the skill acquisition process. External
- pacing, or guidance, is the pacing procedure which is being
- discussed here. The alternative to external pacing is self
- pacing. You, of course, are continually paced in your work
- either by internal self pacing or by external pacing forces
- over which you have no direct control. In order to develop
- keystroking speed, the student must keyboard at rates which
- are above those previously attained. These speeds are more
- easily reached by students when external pacing is applied.
- To select pacing in this program, the desired external
- pacing rate must be entered at the options menu. A guiding
- principle regarding the proper pacing rate to be entered is
- the rate should be high enough to motivate the student, but
- low enough to avoid frustration. Many keyboarding students
- accept pacing as a game, or fun, activity while others view
- these procedures as annoying. Whether you react positively
- or negatively to pacing instruction, be informed that it is
- a proven means for skill development. Educational research
- statistics strongly support the value of pacing activities.
-