[QUOTE]Originally posted by Jim_McIntyre
Different philosophies... Having been taught many "learning devices" (especially for guitar) ... I wish I hadn't.

I've taught/teach many subjects (swimming, guitar, electronics, software design, flying), I comprehend that people learn in differnt ways and have different goals. I've developed the philosophy that the correct method is always preferrable to short cuts. It may take a little longer but, later progress is not hampered by the much more cumbersome 'un-learning' process, particularly where 'motor skills' are involved.

Not trying to be argumentative here, I just feel that students ought to be well informed of the true cost of short cuts so they can make their own decision. [/QUOTE

I absolutely agree, which is why I reckon 'looking over your shoulder' to fly a model towards you might work, but is teaching the wrong thing and putting off the inevitable time when the orientation has got to be learned, and embedded in the reflexes.

Being a guitarist you will recognize 'finger memory', I'm sure.

When I try to form chord quickly without a guitar in my hands I find it difficult, (because I am thinking about it, I suppose) but when my fingers are on the guitar neck it happens without me thinking. (sometimes!!).

This reflex can only be learned with practice. The only way, in the end, to stop a model plummeting uncontrollably is to have corrected an undesirable movement (say, when a snap occurs without meaning to) before you realize it has happened.

The good news is that a simulator like G2 does teach the right things and is very effective at implanting these reflexes.

My 2c (p) worth!

David C.