Teaching Python

Active Learning Code-Alongs

February 24th, 2021
By Kelly Paredes
active learning, demonstrations, hook, learning strategies, peer instruction, teaching

So how can Computer Science teachers change necessary code-along sessions into highly engaged active learning experiences?

Specialization is for insects

February 18th, 2021
By Kelly Paredes
#coding #generalist #specialist #range #mindshift

Is it possible that everyone learning to code later in life can achieve the same goal? I believe so. Does one need to be a programmer and only code for a career? No, but you could if you wanted to.

#mindshift

February 8th, 2021
By Kelly Paredes

I recently finished both the Mindshift book and course by Barbara Oakley and Terrence Sejnowski, and my motivation to write this blog comes from what I have taken in during this experience.

Four Tenets to Object Oriented Thinking

January 30th, 2021
By Kelly Paredes

Understanding Object Oriented Programming as a new coder has always been something that has failed to make sense to me. I can copy it. I can read about it. However, when it comes to writing classes or teaching why a sprite is a way it is with a dunder init function, I struggle to do it. Moreover, I do not think I am alone.

The NLTK library and Real Python Projects from Lee Vaughan

January 21st, 2021
By Kelly Paredes
#nltk, #python, #textanalysis

The best thing about Python is that there are a lot of Python libraries and projects that facilitate teaching complex topics in other curriculums. From data science and graphs to probability and math to analyzing text, using Python makes learning concepts, unique!

Three Tips for Designing True Authentic Assessments

January 9th, 2021
By Kelly Paredes
authentic, authentic assessments, curriculum, grant wiggins, learning, tests

In Computer Science class, designing quality learning experiences meaningful to our students is the ultimate goal. Developing ways to accurately evaluate students' learning using real-world situations that are applicable yet challenging is the underlying focus.

This blog series will take a deep dive into authentic assessment components and what entails quality assessments. Authentic Assessments in education are a complex topic full of multifaceted features.

Setting High Expectations For Authentic Assessments in Computer Science

January 2nd, 2021
By Kelly Paredes
assessment, authentic assessments, authenticity, edutopia, expectations, feedback, grant wiggins, growth mindset, heutagogy, high expectations, learning theories, smart, wiggins

Real-world coding tasks require a specific technique for completion. When solving coding challenges, a high level of coding knowledge and syntax is used. Programming takes commitment to improvement and time spent on iteration. When designing Authentic assessments in Computer Science, try to replicate the patterns in the real world. Setting high expectations for students is a great way to prepare them for authentic assessments. There is a difference in the quality of work when the expectations are NOT to "just get it done" versus doing what you can to learn and understand. Developing a growth mindset early on can help. Empower students and be prepared to provide them with the skills and critical feedback they need to succeed.

Three Learning Theories to Guarantee "The Click"

December 28th, 2020
By Kelly Paredes
bjork, desired difficulties, interleaving, learning strategies, learning theories, learninghowtolearn, mental imagery, mental images, repetition, spacing, teaching

Many learning theories have proven to help learn how to learn. Using a combination of them throughout a course can help to improve click moments for all students.

The Art of Perfecting

December 21st, 2020
By Kelly Paredes
big idea, computer science, curriculum, curriculum review, feedback, learning, learning outcomes, personal learning community, pln, reflection, review, sageonthestage, teaching, teaching python

Reflection regarding curriculum design and learning outcomes should always be at the heart of curriculum planning. Becoming part of the "quality culture" where improvement is the only option, feedback is critical, and alignment to standards and goals are a significant focus is a full-time endeavor.

Six Tips to Improve Information Literacy

December 12th, 2020
By Kelly Paredes

Many computer science tutorials, online or in books, are heavy in text and new vocabulary. Even Python kids' books are heavy in new vocabulary, making the informational text challenging for many students to use. This article is a summary of a presentation I did at a conference.