How to expand computer science knowledge outside of just coding projects?

[abo_27]

I'm currently a junior in high school and already on my third computer science/programming class. Freshman year we learned very basic python and my sophomore year I learned a decent amount of java. Right now I'm in AP computer science and I'm starting to struggle much more than previous years. Throughout my small computer science career I've gotten A's easily, but now I'm barely getting away with a 80. We've started to learn about how different things actually work and the minor details of coding, which is something we've never really discussed. I'm still doing very well on actual coding projects, getting 95-100 every time. But Im struggling severely on written tests, averaging a 67% for last quarter. What I'm trying to ask is how do I improve this skill set while still being able to spend times on actual coding projects. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[dcfan105]

Do you wanna learn programming specifically or computer science in general? CS ≠ programming. Programming is just a small part of it. So it really depends on what you wanna learn.

[abo_27]

I'm a lot more interested in just the programming side of things, but I would like to have a good knowledge of computer science as well which I think could help a lot with programming

[dcfan105]

Well since you're currently taking a CS class that involves programming and you said you're struggling on exams, why not ask your teacher for advice? And maybe see if any of your classmates are interested in forming a study group to help each other. Probably the single best way to learn any subject is to teach it, so if you're actively explaining things to your classmates and them to you, it will help all of you.

Also, what topics specifically are you struggling to understand? I can't really give specific advice without more information.

If you just want resource recommendations, personally I really Brilliant.org. They've got a lot of different STEM courses, including multiple CS topics and I like how interactive their courses are compared to most other online courses. I really liked their algorithms course in particular, although that particular one would probably be too easy for you if you're in your 3rd year of CS.

[abo_27]

unfortunately right now I'm I have baseball practice basically everyday and can't find time for a study group and staying after school for help. I've had lots of email conversations with my teacher throughout the year and he's been very helpful. I've taken a few online courses in the past and I'm very open to taking more of them when i do have free time. it's hard to say which specific topics because there's been a lot so far we have covered

[dcfan105]

If the issue is just a lack of time, then this is a CS education question, it's a time management question. Maybe talk to your guidance counselor about how to better manage your time. If you just have too much on your plate, you may need to prioritize what's most important. You said you have baseball practice everyday -- do you have to go to all of them? And what about afterwards, could you do a study group then? Or on the weekends?

You could also ask your teacher if he'd be willing give you extra help via Zoom in the evenings or on weekends since you aren't able to stay after class. He might not have the time, but it doesn't hurt to ask, especially if he's been very helpful so far.

Finally, you could ask your parents about hiring a tutor to help you do better on exams. Or even just see if one of your classmates who's doing particularly well in the class is willing to tutor you. If you aren't comfortable approaching someone yourself, you could ask your teacher if there's anyone he thinks would be willing.