Roberts, Walsh, Gonzalez Theory

Theory textbook Computer Shorthand:  Realtime Theory (3rd Edition) by Allen Roberts, John Walsh, and Jean Gonzalez (better known as the Roberts Walsh Gonzalez theory textbook) is a theory textbook that has been used for many years because of its ease of learning.  Although the textbook has not been widely marketed, it has an established following. 

The theory textbook consists of 60 lessons.  The presentation of the material enables readers to write new material with ease. 

Within each lesson is a theory presentation section that clearly describes the theory principles, a drill and practice section for additional reinforcement of the writing principles, and a realtime writing section that demonstrates realtime writing principles. 

Realtime writing principles are demonstrated in the appropriate lessons but are kept as distinct sections to delay the introduction of realtime principles until readers are comfortable with writing the basic theory principles.  The realtime principles are organized in distinct easy-to-locate sections.  This methodology also enables home study students to easily learn the concepts. 

The fact that students are able to grasp the theory and progress in skill development is attested to by the number of students who have learned the theory and who have successfully passed the California Shorthand Reporters Examination.

The theory is a solid realtime theory that is endorsed both by court reporters and captionists.  It utilizes realtime principals that are logical and can be applied consistently with little or no hesitation.

LEARNING METHODOLOGY

The theory textbook is easy to read and understand.  Each of the lessons has a presentation portion section that clearly explains a theory concept and the keys involved.  The format of the text makes the principles stand out.  For example:

NEW WRITING PRINICPLE

Write a -Z for words ending in a z or in the sound of z as in as (AZ), has (HAZ), and haze (HA EUZ).

In addition, a learning methodology has been painstakingly applied to expedite the process of automating the theory.

The theory lessons have been carefully prepared to allow students to reinforce theory principals by applying theory patterns.  The textbook is unique in a learning methodology constructed for skill development has been applied to the actual theory.

Note the theory patterns in the following two segments.

INTRODUCING:  A FOR THE SOUND OF SHORT A

Short  a   Write short a with the left thumb.

   Write each of the following words in one stroke from left to right,
   such as Sal, sat, sass, at, and so on.  Read your notes after each
   exercise.

Be sure to practice writing the words in order from right to left.

Sal (SAL)  sat (SAT)  sass* (SAS)   at (AT)
tat (TAT)  pal (PAL)  pat (PAT)   pass (PAS) 

*Note:  Write a single consonant for words ending in a double final consonant.

Explanation to Readers:   The fingers move in a logical progression from left to right.

INTRODUCING:  A EU FOR THE SOUND OF LONG A

Long a  Write long a by stroking the vowels A EU simultaneously using the left and right thumbs.

Be sure to practice writing the words in order from right to left.

say (SA EU) sail (SA EUL) sate  (SA EUT)

ate (A EUT) tail (TA EUL) Tate (TA EUT)

pay (PA EU) pail (PA EUL) pate (PA EUT)

Kay (KA EU) case (KA EUS) 

Explanation to Readers:  The same logical progression from left to right is used with the same consonants and a new vowel.

Only single vowels are presented in each lesson with the same patterns applied as illustrated previously for ease of learning.