When it comes to teaching coding in the classroom, there’s no doubt that it can be a frustrating experience. That’s why here at Assignment Help, we’re here to help YOU make the most out of it while utilizing their creative writing and thinking skills.

So without further ado, let’s dive into the different ways as to how you can survive your first day of coding class!

Before Class…

Get to Know the Different Types of Coding Languages That You’ll Learn in the Classroom

 

Whether it’s creating a short video game using Scratch or designing a text-based adventure game using C++ prior to the very first day of school, getting to know the different types of coding can help you immensely in figuring out what exactly is it that you want to get out of your coding experience. This way, when the time comes for you to ask questions, you know exactly what it is that you’re looking for.

According to David Dodge from Codakid,

“While some languages such as Javascript are great for helping students build the apps of their dreams, some such as HTML are great for helping students build the website that would help them stand out amongst their peers on cyberspace”.

So if it turns out that you’re more comfortable designing apps as opposed to websites, at least you would know what to ask your teacher right before he or she assigns you your very first programming project!

For more information on the different types of coding languages that exist, check out this helpful parent’s guide to coding.

Write a List of What It Is That You Want to Get Out of the Class Before Class Even Starts 

Whether it’s using an old-fashioned piece of paper and a pen or typing on a regular old Google doc, writing a list of what it is that you want to get out of the class is a great way to get to know how you should organize your schedule. This way, when the time comes for you to complete your first programming assignment, you know exactly what to do right before the teacher tells you.

This is also a really great way to check to see if programming is right for you! 🙂

After all, not everyone who takes a coding class can (or will) become a programmer. However, by learning the skills such as how to work in a team and pay attention to grammar(or syntax, as they say in the programming world), at least you can benefit yourself in the near future.

During Class…

Participate, Participate, Participate!

Okay, pretty, obvious, we know. After all, coding is a hands-on-based learning activity. So if you want to get the most out of your coding experience, you should not only participate in the discussion but also do all of the assignments as much as possible.

Your teachers want you to have fun and make the most out of your coding experience. By asking them questions and doing the assignments, not only will you get a better understanding of learning how to code, but also how and why you’re more than just “that student who goes just to go.”

Do NOT be ashamed if you don’t have anything “intelligent to say!” Chances are, your classmates may feel the same way about a particular assignment or concept but are too shy to say so.

Spend 5 to 15 Minutes Writing About What You Learned in Class Today (if Possible)

When it comes to teaching students how to make the most out of their coding experiences, it’s important that they take the time to reflect on what it is that they learned and what they hope to get out of their coding experiences. Usually, one of the best ways to do so is by writing in a good old-fashioned journal using either a pen or a pencil.

So if you can, spend at least five minutes during class (ideally, right before it ends) writing about what you learned. This way, when you look back at your list, you can assess for yourself if what you wrote about what you want to gain from coding class matches your expectations.

After Class…

 Ask Your Teacher if You and the Rest of the Class Can Create a Game (or a Cartoon) as a Whole

Whether it’s creating a creature in Minecraft using Java or creating a short animation using Scratch, creating a game(or animation) with the class as a whole is a great way to get to know a little about what your classmates (and your teacher) are interested in.

Your teacher(s) really want you to have fun while learning inside the classroom. So don’t be afraid to ask if you want to do something a little different from what he or she originally assigned.

This is also a great opportunity for you to ask your teachers any questions that you have about the assignment, as well as what are some things that you have

In Conclusion

By helping your students get to know the wonderful world of coding right before they even have a chance of typing “hello world!” onto their very first shells, hopefully, they will have a better time being comfortable on the first day of coding class.

In the meantime, which of our tips did you find the most helpful? Are there any others that you recommend that we put on this article? 

Maryland born Athena Zhang Baker has been writing all kinds of various articles, stories, and reviews since she was in seventh grade. As of now, she is continuing to write various articles on Computer Science such as “Ada Lovelace: The Making of an Ideal Liberal Arts” while running a Manga and Manhwa Club in Memphis, TN.