Originally Posted by
rob_s
Agree with the above. Stacking 1,2,3 in a row isn't going to work. you need to take 1, go away and practice, perhaps retake 1, go away and practice, then take 2, go away and practice, may have to drop back and re-take 1, go away and practice, etc. I don't think you leave a level 1 course ready to take level 2. This isn't corporate BS training, or professional licensing training, or even college curriculum.
I will also say that the fundamentals she lays at the beginning will be virtually impossible to change later on, and so what you choose to start with matters a lot. I have seen more students than I can count struggle with evidence right in front of their eyes when it conflicts with what they've previously been taught. There is actually evidence that this effects the same parts of the brain as pain, so in effect you literally find it painful to have your preconceived notions challenged. For some reason it totally escapes people that there may be more than one way to do a thing, that there may be a better technique for a beginner than an experienced practitioner, and that instructors may just flat out disagree and you have to find what works for you after being exposed to a variety of methods. Note, "what works for me" is not an excuse to ignore other potential techniques and simply jam your fingers in your ears and holler "nuh uh. nuh uh. nuh uh." over and over again.
IMO proper marksmanship fundamentals to start with are key. Focus on the front sight, gradually increasing pressure, get a surprise break, ease to reset, reacquire the sights (ideally the last two at the same time). This is not how a high level USPSA shooter is going to shoot, or even teach, but I think that the more complex way that those types of shooters shoot is too complicated for someone just starting out.
If you can get her to a Randy Cain Handgun 101 I think that's the single best place to start that I'm aware of in all of the training I've had or otherwise been exposed to.