A study was conducted to determine the optimal presentation methods for teaching the phonetic alphabet which is characteristic of much of the symbolic material which forms part of the SAGE L-system operator task. This discrete-item, paired-associate material was prepared in six different formats: (1) long continuous-discourse program, overt responses; (2) short continuous-discourse program, overt responses; (3) same as 2 but using covert responses; (4) flash cards with time limited, covert responses; (5) flash cards, time unlimited, covert responses; and (6) flash cards, time unlimited, with drop-out of mastered items. Each program was given to ten undergraduate subjects. Procedures and results were discussed in detail, and tabular summaries are provided. (Author/EMH)