Teaching Python

We're two middle school teachers learning and teaching Python

About the show

A podcast by Kelly Paredes and Sean Tibor about their adventures teaching middle school computer science, problem-solving, handling failure, frustration, and victory through the lens of the Python programming language.

Kelly Paredes has taught all over the world and specializes in curriculum design and development. She currently teaches sixth and seventh-grade computer science at Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This is her fifth year using Python.

Sean Tibor is a Senior Cloud Engineer at Mondelez International. He has worked in marketing and technical management roles selling toothpaste and toothbrushes, designing chemical inventory and tv media databases, enrolling online nursing students, and founding a digital marketing agency. He has taught Python to seventh and eighth-grade students at Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, but now supports interns and tutors students in Python.

Teaching Python on social media

Episodes

  • Episode 129: Quickbite: Live Coding and Codealongs

    March 29th, 2024  |  26 mins 26 secs
    coding, quickbite, teaching

    Join Sean and Kelly as they discuss the advantages of live coding in education, including active learning, improved problem-solving, and building student confidence, while addressing challenges and sharing upcoming educational summit announcements.

  • Episode 128: From Blocks to Code with PickCode

    March 24th, 2024  |  41 mins 46 secs
    block coding, education, text coding

    In this episode of Teaching Python, hosts Sean Tibor and Kelly Schuster-Paredes explore the transition from block to text coding with guest Charlie Meyer, co-founder and CEO of Pick Code. The discussion delves into the importance of making coding engaging and accessible for learners, alongside sharing personal coding stories and insights into teaching methodologies and tools designed to foster confidence and fun in coding education.

  • Episode 127: Setting Goals

    March 2nd, 2024  |  25 mins 48 secs
    goals, quickbites, teaching

    In this quick bite episode, Kelly and Sean talk about how to set goals as a learner, teacher, and leader. What makes a good goal? Why do we even need them?

  • Episode 126: Projects and Portfolios

    February 19th, 2024  |  25 mins 42 secs
    learning, portfolios, projects

    In this episode of the "Teaching Python" podcast, hosts Sean Tibor and Kelly Schuster-Paredes dive into the world of projects and portfolios for young coders. They explore the significance of showcasing coding skills, creativity, and personal growth through portfolios, offering invaluable insights for students and educators alike. Tune in to gain valuable tips on standing out in college admissions and job applications!

  • Episode 125: Microlearning

    February 5th, 2024  |  36 mins 42 secs

    In this episode, co-hosts Sean Tibor and Kelly Schuster-Paredes explore the concept and benefits of microlearning in both settings of K-12 education and professional development. They discuss methods such as interleaved learning, offering varied learning materials, providing immediate feedback, and gamification, highlighting how these techniques promote engagement and enhance retention toward achieving both personal and professional growth.

  • Episode 124: Motivated with Coding in the World of AI

    January 14th, 2024  |  49 mins 9 secs
    ai, mindset, motivation

    In this episode, hosts Sean and Kelly discuss various strategies for staying engaged and motivated in coding while using artificial intelligence (AI) tools like Chat GPT. From ethical discussions and exercising critical thinking to fostering creativity and reading documentation through the lens of AI, they explore different ways of leveraging AI to enhance learning and engagement in the classroom and beyond. Towards the end, they emphasize the significance of 'walking away', taking a break and letting the mind rejuvenate as a crucial part of maintaining high engagement levels in coding.

  • Episode 123: Five Year Anniversary

    January 2nd, 2024  |  38 mins 51 secs
    discussion, review

    In this commemorative episode, Kelly and Sean celebrate their fifth year at Teaching Python. They reflect upon the origins of the podcast, how it has evolved, successes and challenges they've faced, and valuable lessons learned over the years. This episode underscores the importance of embracing continued learning, of staying persistent, and validates the magic of teaching and learning alongside students.

  • Episode 122: Ethics of Artificial Intelligence

    December 16th, 2023  |  32 mins 35 secs
    ai, artificial intelligence, research

    In this episode of Teaching Python, Sean and Kelly are joined by Cecilia Danesi, an expert in AI ethics and gender rights. They discuss the role of AI in society and the importance of educating the next generation on ethical AI use. Tune in to gain insights into the impact of AI and how we can navigate its challenges responsibly

  • Episode 121: The Board of Knowledge

    November 24th, 2023  |  16 mins 44 secs
    classroom tools, coding, coding concepts, cognitive load, computer science, dual coding, education, learning strategies, python, scaffolding, teaching techniques
  • Episode 120: Quick Bites: Failing

    November 8th, 2023  |  18 mins 12 secs
    education, learning, programming, python, quick bite, teaching

    In this quick bite episode, Sean & Kelly talk about the critical role of failing in learning. Not just that it happens but that it's essential for real learning to take place.

  • Episode 119: Quick Bites: Constructivism and Coding

    October 24th, 2023  |  22 mins 1 sec
    coding, constructivism, python, quick bites, teaching

    In this episode of our teaching series, we dive into learners and their coding journey. We spotlight the Constructivist learning approach, emphasizing its core tenets: active learning, connecting coding to real-world challenges, the crucial role of collaboration, and the sheer power of motivation. The transformative potential of this approach is undeniable. From tales of initial struggles to triumphant victories, this episode is a 15-20 minute dive into the heart of teaching Python.

  • Episode 118: Quick Bites: Testing Student Code

    October 21st, 2023  |  15 mins 19 secs
    coding, computer science, education, programming, python, testing

    Today, we'll talk about how to test students' code using automated tools. For example, the unit testing built into Replit's Teams for Education allows students to see if their code is correct, while teachers can quickly assess dozens of submissions. We'll also talk about potential pitfalls that can disrupt or distract from learning.