This timeline was used for Alfred Perez’s “Ham In A Day” class on September 28, 2024, at Guthrie, OK. Twenty-three students showed up at 8:00 a.m., and twenty passed their Technician test at 3:30 p.m. with an 87% pass rate. This document is available in PDF form at this link.
Short Learning Method Explained
In the 1880s, psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus experimented by memorizing random syllables. He then tested to see what he remembered after specific periods, resulting in the “forgetting curve” shown here.
The Ebbinghaus study was replicated, analyzed, and confirmed in a 2015 study documented at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4492928/. The study showed that quickly learning the information and repeating the process after an hour allowed the learner to retain more information. The study also showed that learning in the morning is preferable to starting later in the day.
This class uses the Correct Radio Amateur Answer Manual (CRAAM) to present the short learning method. It displays the FCC questions and only the correct answers.
- When you have reviewed the section once, reread the questions, circling unfamiliar areas with a pen or pencil.
- We suggest reading through the test section to comprehend the information rather than trying to memorize it.
- Repeat the reading process, using a highlighter to reinforce the areas you don’t recall.
- Repeat the reading process and switch colored markers with another student as time allows.
- Take 10-15 minute breaks every hour and take time for lunch.
Timeline of the Class
8:00 Welcome the class and introduce the class leaders
8:01 Introduce any class sponsors, like amateur radio clubs or local emergency management groups
8:03 Explain the building emergency procedures, like restrooms, exits, storm shelters, lunch, drinks, and snacks.
8:05 Pass out books and collect book payments, as required. Explain the short learning method’s learning process. Explain the diagrams and how they should be used.
8:18 Ask for a show of hands: “Who thinks they can pass the test today?” Most will not raise their hands, but statistics show that 85%- 90% of students will pass the afternoon test.
8:19 Explain the testing costs (if any) and the $35 FCC fee for the 10-year license.
8:20 Start reading the Technician section of the CRAAM manual – don’t try to memorize the answers, just read it for comprehension
9:00 First Break – Stand up, stretch, walk around, snacks/drinks, and restroom break.
9:15 End of First Break – This time circle any unfamiliar information with a pen/pencil. Any questions?
10:00 Second Break – Have each person introduce themselves by name and their interest in amateur radio
10:01 Talk about how amateur radio is reliable during storms and communications breakdowns. Give local or recent ham-related communication events.
10:03 Pass out a contact information sheet for after-class activities, including clubs, events, future testing events, names, and contact information.
10:05 Talk about the test process. 3:30 p.m. test, 35 random questions from what they are reading. Miss 9, and you are doing fine; miss 10, and you do it again. Retesting options if they don’t pass.
10:15 End of Second Break – This time, highlight unfamiliar information with a highlighter. Any questions?
11:00 Third break – Stand up, etc.
11:01 Talk about lunch process
11:15 End of Third Break – This time, swap marker colors with someone else and highlight unfamiliar information with a highlighter. Any questions?
11:45 Lunch
12:15 End of Lunch – start by writing down the components of the drawings. Formulas – Highlight unfamiliar information with a highlighter. Any questions?
1:00 Fourth Break – Stand up, etc.
1:00 Talk about emergency communications as they go for the break. Highlight a local or national event where amateur radio has helped. Explain that you need to stay active; charge batteries, learn to program and operate radios, and practice by checking into local nets
1:15 End of Fourth Break – This time, swap marker colors with someone else and highlight unfamiliar information with a highlighter. Any questions?
2:00 Fifth Break – Stand up, etc.
2:00 Explain that you will have scratch paper (back of the answer sheet), and you can write anything down from memory as you start the test. Typical items would be V=IR and P=IV circles
2:15 End of Fifth Break – Any questions?
2:15 Obtain attendee contact information to receive follow-up events
3:00 Final break of the day to get the VE team set up
3:15 VE Team talks about the test procedure
3:30 Start the VE testing process – Any questions?
Requirements To Operate a Ham In A Day class
- A class leader who understands this process and can answer questions as they arise. Multiple class leaders are suggested for larger (>15) classes.
- Class starts at 8:00 a.m.
- A quiet, comfortable location where students can read and process information throughout the day.
- A copy of the Correct Radio Amateur Answer Manual (CRAAM) for each attendee. This is available from Mark Kleine N5HZR — [email protected].
- A pen / pencil and highlighters for each class member.
- Options for drinks throughout the day.
- A plan for lunch.
- FCC Volunteer Examination team (arrive at 3:00 p.m. and start testing at 3:30 p.m.)
Mark Kleine – N5HZR – [email protected] – https://w5nor.org/day/