Learn Python Like a 12-Year-Old

Along the way to adulthood, we often lose that sense of wonder, enjoyment, and playfulness that we had as kids in our favorite school subjects. As adults, we can become better learners ourselves when we examine how kids learn coding with Python. In this session, we’ll talk about making thinking and coding visible from the brain science behind how we learn new things to the importance of playfulness in learning. We will share a variety of helpful tips to improve your learning whether you are new to Python or an experienced coder.

Transcript

1. Learn Python Like a 12-Year Old @smtibor and @kellypared | @TeachingPython
2. Kelly Schuster-Paredes · Middle School Computer Science Teacher · 4th Year Coding · 20+ Years Teaching · Co-host of Teaching Python · @KellyPared on Twitter kelly_fun_facts = {'origin': 'Sebastian, Florida', 'countries_taught_in': ['Peru', 'USA', 'UK']} @smtibor and @kellypared | @TeachingPython
3. Sean Tibor · Senior Cloud Engineer @ Mondelez International · Former Middle School Computer Science Teacher · Co-host of Teaching Python · @smtibor on Twitter sean_fun_facts = {'origin': 'Anchorage, Alaska', 'can_sew': True} @smtibor and @kellypared | @TeachingPython
4. Why should you believe us? · We teach middle school students how to code in Python · Taught our courses over 50 times more than 1,000 students · This is now the way we learn ourselves @smtibor and @kellypared | @TeachingPython
5. Outcomes Today · Get a peek at the 12-year-old brain · Learn Python better as an adult · Have more control over your learning @smtibor and @kellypared | @TeachingPython
6. Your Brain vs. a 12-year old's 12-YEAR OLD BRAIN (PEDOGOGY) YOUR BRAIN (ANDROGOGY) Natural neuroplasticity Declining neuroplasticity Undeveloped sense of risk Entrenched/disciplined risk Learning broadly all day long Applied, specialized learning Regimented schedule for learning Fluid/self-directed learning Less context, fewer assumptions More context, more assumptions @smtibor and @kellypared | @TeachingPython
7. 12-Year-Olds Are Curious @smtibor and @kellypared | @TeachingPython
8. Be Curious, Learn With All Your Senses · Engages your brain's networks on multiple levels · Builds your connections between concepts · Uses all of your senses @smtibor and @kellypared | @TeachingPython
9. Hack Your Python Learning 1.Question everything 2.Read new code samples 3.Find different ways to solve problems that you already know @smtibor and @kellypared | @TeachingPython
10. 12-Year-Olds Are Always Learning @smtibor and @kellypared | @TeachingPython
11. Learn Something New Every Day · Builds Neuroplasticity and Optimizes Brain Functions · Fosters Creativity and Innovation · Learning is fun - releases dopamine and oxytocin @smtibor and @kellypared | @TeachingPython
12. Hack Your Python Learning · Make time and space for focused/diffuse learning · Learn something that makes you uncomfortable · Create connections and metaphors · Meet new people with new perspectives @smtibor and @kellypared | @TeachingPython
13. 12-year-olds Are Extremely Emotive @smtibor and @kellypared | @TeachingPython
14. Learning with Emotions (instead of against) · Emotions are the key to making knowledge permanent · Recognizing emotional inhibitors that prevent learning · There's a "Goldilocks" zone of desirable difficulty @smtibor and @kellypared | @TeachingPython
15. Hack Your Python Learning · Chunk learning into smaller pieces to shorten the cycle · Create intrinsic reward systems · Check in on your emotional state frequently @smtibor and @kellypared | @TeachingPython
16. 12-Year-Olds Take Risks
17. Learn Python With Courage · Intellectual risk taking is necessary for creativity and confidence · Breakthroughs in learning occur when risks are made · When risk-taking pays off, learning is more memorable @smtibor and @kellypared | @TeachingPython
18. Hack Your Python Learning · Create safe spaces to take bigger risks · Pick something you think you cannot do · Seek honest feedback @smtibor and @kellypared | @TeachingPython
19. Reflection on our Learning Today · Which parts were most relevant? Least? · What can I start doing right away? · What will I stop doing as a result of this? · What is the best way to go forward in my learning? @smtibor and @kellypared | @TeachingPython
20. Our Challenge to You · Learn something that scares you · Add reflections to your learning process · Tell us about it! @smtibor and @kellypared on Twitter teachingpython.fm @smtibor and @kellypared | @TeachingPython