This situation comes up in classes monthly. It all depends on their mindset. If they have been in a situation where they felt great personal jeopardy, then they are a motivated learner & usually very focused.
If not, then often you (from an Instructors standpoint) have to de-emphasize the "tactical" stuff & let them enjoy the fun of shooting first. Then, most of the time they realize on their own that with their ability to press a 5 or 6 lb. trigger, they can be as powerful as any man... it can be intoxicating for a woman or new shooter to experience the sense of power that a firearm can offer. You also have to not let them get TOO caught up in it. I've had very timid, even fearful ladies start out scared to death to even touch a gun, then after a few 2 to 4 hr. sessions, empty a full mag. of 9mm into the target while yelling obscenites at it!
The key I've found is to not push them too far, too quick.
Careful with the ex-this or ex-that instructors... interview them & make sure that you can get what you need out of the time that is spent under their care. Try to find someone who does it full-time or has LOTS of real world experience AS AN INSTRUCTOR.
Remember that often you get what you pay for... their are some really top-notch Instructors out there & some who are a disgrace.
Now is not the time to "try to go cheap". Before I opened up my school, I looked for the best schools & Instructors that I could find... save money when you buy toilet paper or glass cleaner.
When learning the skills that could save you or your families lives and/or keep you out of jail afterward because "you didn't know" is not the best time to "scrimp".
