Teaching Python

This week, we're discussing how to use a very old programming tool to teach modern concepts. That's right, it's the return of the Turtle tool! Kelly and Sean will explore why this Python 2-era library based on a 53-year old concept still works so well to teach fundamental programming concepts. Want to learn how we use Turtle in the classroom? Kelly and Sean will go through our best practices, pref...

This week, we're joined by Peter Kazarinoff , Professor of Engineering and Engineering Technology at Portland Community College to discuss how adult learners can learn Python, the use of Jupyter notebooks as teaching tools, and some of the common goals of learners of diverse ages, backgrounds, and education levels. Joined by your usual co-hosts, Kelly and Sean, we explore some of the different app...

Persistence is defined as the ability to stick with something. In the educational world it is often used interchangeably with the phrases: Sticktoitiveness, grit or perseverance. In this episode, we will discuss how to develop persistence in programming for all learners. Whether your students already have an innate ability to stick with coding or if you are hoping to instill the “desire” in your s...

In this week's episode, Kelly and Sean discuss one of the tools that we like to use in class: the BBC micro:bit . Thanks to the instant feedback and physical/tactile nature of the device, this inexpensive little IoT device makes the process of learning Python more intuitive for students. It's also an easy starting point for those teachers who are new to coding. There are many advantages to using a...

Kelly and Sean are back this in this week's episode to talk about the role of coding challenges for student understanding. Coding challenges are teacher-defined coding problems that students tackle individually or in groups with more than one possible solution. The advantages of these challenges compared to passive learning include deeper retention of skills and knowledge, opportunities for social...

This week, co-hosts Kelly Schuster-Paredes and Sean Tibor talk about their preferred methods for building student resilience while learning Python. Every learner reaches a point where they may get frustrated, discouraged, or want to give up. How can you help them get past that moment and rebuild momentum? How do you recognize those moments? What can you do as a coach and mentor to help them? What...

This week, Kelly and Sean review their top Python books for teachers. They cover everything from classics like Automate the Boring Stuff with Python and Invent Your Own Computer Games to the newest books like Impractical Python Projects and Coffee Break Python . If you're looking for a good book for your winter break, there's bound to be one that will suit you here. Brew up a nice cup of tea or co...

We've noticed that many of our students have a moment where everything 'clicks' and they make a leap forward in their knowledge of Python. Kelly and Sean discuss strategies to ensure that this happens, including coding challenges, metacognitive discussion, and formative assessments. Flow states are another phenomenon that indicates deep learning and knowledge acquisition. We've defined that as a s...

What does the first week of Python look like for new coders? Where do you start? Is it better to jump right in or give them a softer start? We'll talk about everything from what exercises work best, how to get new Python coders started with an IDE like Mu Editor, and more. In this episode, Kelly and Sean talk about starting the first week of teaching Python. We take a look why we choose to teach P...