Re^2: Worst blog post ever on teaching programming

I agree with you. I tend to see teachers ideally as facilitators of learning or as mentors. Raw information can be had from books
and other sources. A teacher should provide guidance and encouragement.

The whole concept of introductory courses as "weed-out's" is repellent to me.

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Re^3: Worst blog post ever on teaching programming
by jeffa (Bishop) on Apr 03, 2006 at 12:57 UTC

The whole concept of introductory courses as "weed-out's" is repellent to me.

How about the concept of intermediate courses as "weed-outs?" At some point, you have to separate the ones who are serious about the subject and those who are just there because they don't know what they want to do for a career. Better to find out sooner than later. I was "weeded out" from the accounting major by the time i hit junior level and let me tell you, i am very thankful for that.

The only thing i find "repellent" about "weed-out" courses is when i am required to take one in my minor field. Other than that, a teacher can only provide so much guidance and encouragement -- they simply cannot be expected to do the work for the student.

You know what they call weed-out courses in the real world? "You're fired!"

jeffa

L-LL-L--L-LL-L--L-LL-L--
-R--R-RR-R--R-RR-R--R-RR
B--B--B--B--B--B--B--B--
H---H---H---H---H---H---
(the triplet paradiddle with high-hat)

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