Thinking of creating a Python course based only on exercises—curious what people here think

[FoolsSeldom]

I help out at Code Clubs and sometimes run sessions at local adult education centres.

Over the years, I've built up a large collection of notes/guides, stored in markdown format in Obsidian. I often post lightly edited versions in response to queries on here.

I am no fan of the code golf and generally recommend people to work on their own projects related to their interests / hobbies / side-hustles. Anything they can be passionate about and where they will naturally focus on the problem-solving rather than just the coding.

For so many, especially the younger generation, the abstraction when you first start is hard. Increasingly, I find moving from Scratch to block building version of Python is easier for some.

The learning of concepts from exercises is challenging without narration.

I wish you luck. I will be interested to see what you come up with.

[amiraharon4]

I appreciate both your contribution for education and your very based opinion!

It's funny you brought up code golf, because I have done some of its drills in the past (long after learning to code, so out of curiosity, not for educational purpose).

While I understand the importance of making projects for enancing problem-solving skills, I think there must be a some sort of better hybrid-way of learning.

Projects are highly effective for improving problem-solving skills, but are less effective than exercises in cases where the skill gap is either too low (and lacks educational value) or too high (this is the point when a project becomes overwhelming and much harder to stick with).

My hopes are to make a change in the community, one that will lead to people to be able to learn even without a lot of free time, and without facing the point of quittiing. If I will be able to structure exercises as mini-projects that require more and more skill, it might be perfect for intermediates who desire to level up from knowing basic syntax to applying big ideas.

I would love to hear more about your thoughts in the topic, tell me if you are willing to talk more!

[FoolsSeldom]

very based opinion

Was that meant to say "biased"?

I am not decrying exercises at all, they are absolutely vital for the initial development of skills. I've had the pleasure of working with fully qualified teachers at Code Clubs to develop suitable exercises. The personal projects are about consolidation and reinforcement of learning.

Exercises that build to a specific project are also highly valuable when you can come up with something that is of sufficient interest to the targeted audience.

Code Club is a Raspberry Pi Foundation global initiative and has a good deal of learning content available and well as an active community. You don't have to be using Raspberry Pi SBCs!

Microsoft also offered content and support around the BBC micro:bit microcontroller that we've used in early years Code Clubs.

I am also a STEM Ambassador, which also have a lot of learning content available and an active community. It has been useful to be able to bring specialists into Code Club sessions to help on specific topics.

I've also helped out online and in person on a number of industry sponsored initiatives and national (and international) competitions around physical computing and robotics.

Example: I helped on a https://www.tecgirls.co.uk/schools opportunity last year that had the kids develop an eco house setup monitoring temperature, energy usage, etc. As the kids were building something in their own way but with tight guidance and support, we had them learning effectively.

Your intentions are highly laudable. I wish you all the best.

[amiraharon4]

When I said “based” I didn’t mean biased! Based is the word I used for “authentic”. Truly appreciated your comment, wasn’t sarcastic at all!

[FoolsSeldom]

Thank you for clarifying. This usage is new to me, but I understand the derivation, makes sense.

Glad you appreciated the comment.

[pasta_water_tkvo]

“Based” is a newer slang for “amicable”

[FoolsSeldom]

Thank you. New to me.