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
   

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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
   

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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
   

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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
   

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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
   

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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
   

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7. 12-Year-Olds Are Curious
   @smtibor and @kellypared | @TeachingPython
   

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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
   

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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
   

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10. 12-Year-Olds Are Always
    Learning
    @smtibor and @kellypared | @TeachingPython
    

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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
    

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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
    

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13. 12-year-olds Are
    Extremely Emotive
    @smtibor and @kellypared | @TeachingPython
    

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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
    

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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
    

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16. 12-Year-Olds Take Risks
    

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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
    

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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
    

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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
    

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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
    

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