Teaching Python

Five Steps for Building Rubrics for Authentic Assessments

March 30th, 2021
By Kelly Paredes
blooms_taxonomy, ivypanda, learning, objectives, python, resources, rubrics, single-point rubric

In this blog post, we will look at using rubrics to judge achievement on authentic assessments.

Identifying and Teaching "Mistakes" to Help us Learn Code

March 19th, 2021
By Kelly Paredes
effective effort, fail fast, failure, failures, learning, mistakes, process over product

At the start of every coding course, computer science teachers can benefit from explaining to students the process and skills of learning how to fail. Most students' first reaction to using the word "fail" takes their minds to the gradebook and the repercussion that may be felt from their parents or on their GPA if they fail a class. However, explaining how mistakes can be used to enhance learning has many different advantages.

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.

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.

Enhancing Python Learning with Bloom's Taxonomy: A Teacher's Perspective.

November 16th, 2020
By Kelly Paredes
blooms_taxonomy, learning, python, resources

Over time, Bloom's Taxonomy has undergone revisions, objective transformations, and creative redesigns. These adaptations have yielded various approaches, from multi-layered activities to recommended apps for achieving Bloom’s Taxonomy objectives. Some iterations even present objectives as grouped goals. However, the constant remains: Bloom's Taxonomy serves as a valuable tool, assisting both educators and students in charting an efficient and effective learning path.

The Metacognitive Process part 3 of 3

November 9th, 2020
By Kelly Paredes
learning, metacognition, python, resources

The Metacognitive Process: Part 1 of 3

October 16th, 2020
By Kelly Paredes
learning, metacognition, python, resources

Doing what you know, knowing what you learned, understanding what you want to learn more of… The Metacognitive Process of Learning. This is the intro to a three-part blog. “Learning is finding out what you already know. Doing is demonstrating that you know it. Teaching is reminding others that they know just as well as you. You are all learners, doers, teachers.”
― Richard Bach,

The Metacognitive Process of Learning: An Intro to a Three Part Series

October 13th, 2020
By Kelly Paredes
learning, python, teaching

Doing what you know, knowing what you learned, understanding what you want to learn more of… The Metacognitive Process of Learning. This is the intro to a three-part blog. “Learning is finding out what you already know. Doing is demonstrating that you know it. Teaching is reminding others that they know just as well as you. You are all learners, doers, teachers.”
― Richard Bach,

Five Tips for Teaching Python When You Know Nothing About Python

November 10th, 2019
By Kelly Paredes
howto, learning, python, teaching, tips

Although I didn't consider myself a "real coder" when I first started learning Python a year and a half ago, it's been an amazing learning journey to teach it to hundreds of students and talk about it with other teachers. Here are 5 tips for learning how to teach Python when you know nothing about it.