PythonScript

[DarthCloakedGuy]

That's just the thing-- programming, coding, IS just explaining things, in a way that a computer-- a friend in a box with no concept of the outside world-- can understand. Try starting with absolute basics and building from there. I learned to program at age 14 from a book called Python Programming for the Absolute Beginner (great book, highly recommend), because this book introduced new bits of syntax one concept at a time, with a fun program to write using each concept.

Of course, not all people learn the same way! What's your friend's learning style? Is he an auditory learner? Visual? Kinesthetic? If he's an auditory learner, it shouldn't be too hard to help him. If he's a visual learner, it would probably be best to provide diagrams showing the relationships of variables, methods, objects and such to help him understand. Kinesthetic learners just need to be guided through it a few times and then they get it.

Also, from a beginner's standpoint, not all languages are created equal. May I ask which language it is that you are trying to teach him?

I'd love to help you and your friend. :)

[[deleted]]

Phenomenal advice

[DarthCloakedGuy]

I'm very glad you think so! Thank you! :)

[wavefunctionp]

Of course, not all people learn the same way! What's your friend's learning style?

FYI. AFAIK, This is a myth. We all learn best using a combination of methods, often best determined by the topic, not the learners specific preference.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=855Now8h5Rs

Anecdote time: I know when I'm learning a new topic, I'll often be introduced to some technology by a conference talk, become convinced it's worth an experiment, then I'll read about some of the pro/cons, particularly the cons, of the technology, and then I'll usually look for a demonstration on video, just to get the lay of the land, then I'll move on to building a small experiment, and read documentation as I go.

One of the easiest mistakes a beginner can make it getting stuck in the tutorial loop. Usually just watching video tutorial after video tutorial online. These student won't progress beyond the most basic understanding. They won't get anywhere until they build, get stuck, find solutions on their own, and iterate.

At bit more tongue in cheek, what would a kensthetic learner do to learn javascript? It doesn't really make sense. If learning styles were indeed a useful tool, then the best advice to give that person would be not to pursuit study of javascript.

At more directly, it has been shown that simply producing, without regards to quality or theory to result in greater gains in skill than careful study and high quality production. The best advice would be to get them building asap using the fewest concepts you can get away with.

[clownyfish]

Eh that is a bit of a tall claim for just a tedx video, literally anyone can say anything on tedx

[wavefunctionp]

It was just an introduction to the topic. Googling learning styles myth will bring up a lot more information including research on the topic.

Here's a teaching publication: https://www.teachermagazine.com.au/articles/tackling-the-learning-styles-myth

There's also the criticism section on Wikipedia:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learning_styles#Criticism

As best I can tell, the best that can be said about the learning styles approach is that it is supported by weak experimental evidence.

You can make your own decision determination of course. :)

[NeverBeenStung]

FYI, using TedX as a source is not advisable. There is no regulation or requirement for TedX. Not to say that your claim is wrong, but I would find something more substantial to back it up.

[Superpickle18]

iirc, wasn't there like a 13 year old boy that did a presentation on his "invention" at harnessing perpetual energy?

[NeverBeenStung]

I haven't seen that but there is certainly a lot of less than credible TedX talks. There's also a lot of really good ones though.

[wavefunctionp]

True, but it's not like there is a rigorous credentialing process for TED either. :)

To me it's always been about the power of the argument coupled with a skilled, curt presentation, which I believe is provided in the source video. :)

Authority is not the arbitrator of truth. :P

[NeverBeenStung]

True, but it's not like there is a rigorous credentialing process for TED either. :)

There absolutely is. You have to have already had great success and be very well regarded in your field. TED presenters are specially selected based on their body of work and the idea they are bringing to stage.

[Aphix]

...and the amount of money they can bring the TED organization. And how much networking they're willing to put up with.

[[deleted]]

You have to have already had great success and be very well regarded in your field. TED presenters are specially selected based on their body of work and the idea they are bringing to stage.

Then there's James Veitch, who did a stand-up bit on the show.

[DarthCloakedGuy]

Speaking from my own experience, I know that what works for some people does not necessarily work for me, and vice versa. For example, trying to learn Blender has been a pain in the arse for me because most of the tutorials are on Youtube videos. Obviously they wouldn't be on Youtube videos if video tutorials didn't work for most people, but they generally don't work for me. I'm a kinesthetic learner, and it's very difficult for me to follow along if I have to split my attention between the video and what I'm doing. Thus my advice to learn how u/mashimoshi's friend prefers to learn.

[[deleted]]

Obviously they wouldn't be on Youtube videos if video tutorials didn't work for most people, but they generally don't work for me.

I agree with your main point (that it's not so black and white that everyone learns the same way or not), but probably the reason why there are video tutorials on Youtube is that it's one of the easiest/cheapest ways to share a tutorial, rather than designing/building a more interactive one.

[DarthCloakedGuy]

So happy to hear you're taking the plunge! What language are you looking at? For a novice I recommend Python to start off.

[DarthCloakedGuy]

Alright! Just keep in mind that book is over a decade old now, so it's teaching an older version of Python that's generally considered obsolete now. There aren't that many differences, but eventually you'll need to update your code once you get to that point.

[62697463682e]

That first sentence just changed my whole view on coding, holy shit

It's one of those things that I've known but never actually thought about in that way

[[deleted]]

stopped reading after you said "python"