Teaching Python

Episode 11: Signs of True Learning

February 14th, 2019  |  30 mins 33 secs

learning, pedagogy, python

How do you know your students are really learning in Computer Science? In this episode, Sean and Kelly dig into developing the learner-centered classroom and some of the pedagogical philosophy of how to look for learning in your teaching.

Episode 10: Teaching with Python Turtle

February 3rd, 2019  |  37 mins 41 secs

loops, python, turtle

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 53-year old concept still works so well to teach fundamental programming concepts.

Episode 9: Python For Future Engineers

January 29th, 2019  |  1 hr 1 min

adult learners, college, guests, python

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.

Episode 8: Persistence in Python

January 21st, 2019  |  37 mins 12 secs

pedagogy, persistence, python, teaching

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 students, Sean and Kelly will examine ways that they develop persistence in programming in their classrooms.

Episode 7: Teaching with the BBC micro:bit

January 14th, 2019  |  42 mins 57 secs

microbit, python, teaching

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.

Episode 6: Gaining a Deeper Understanding of Python With Coding Challenges

January 9th, 2019  |  37 mins 1 sec

coding, makecode, python

Kelly and Sean are back 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 and emotional education, and increased student confidence through subject mastery.

Episode 5: Building Resilience

December 31st, 2018  |  28 mins 55 secs

education, python, resilience

Co-hosts Kelly and Sean discuss their top eight methods for building resilience in students. Whether you call it grit, perseverance, persistence, determination, or something else, it's important to help students get through the hard and often frustrating moments of learning a new language so that they can become self-sufficient.

Episode 4: Top Python Books For Teachers

December 24th, 2018  |  31 mins 13 secs

books, programming, python

In this episode, Sean and Kelly go through their top books for teachers to learn about Python and teach students. With everything from coding your own games in Python, to automating the boring stuff, there's something for every teacher here.

Episode 3: Anticipating the Click and Flow

December 17th, 2018  |  34 mins 14 secs

education, flow, metacognition, python

Kelly and Sean discuss the importance of the 'click' when learning Python and identify strategies for encouraging a state of flow in classrooms. What is the click moment? How do you know when flow is achieved?

Episode 2: The First Week of Python

December 10th, 2018  |  29 mins 54 secs

getting started, mu editor, newbies, python

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.

Episode 1: Hello World

December 5th, 2018  |  31 mins 30 secs

education, getting started, python, tynker

Our very first episode! Kelly and Sean talk about how to get started teaching Python, including how to set up a room for computer science, what books and podcasts were most useful, the joys of Tynker, and how to set your own expectations for how to teach Python for others.