How to Teach Python to College Students: A step-by-step Guide
Computer programming is one of the fastest-growing fields in higher education. Programming has become an essential skill for almost every professional and student who uses a computer. The demand for computer programmers is expected to grow by more than 30 percent between 2016 and 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With this increasing demand come new opportunities. Computer science majors are among the most competitive majors at colleges and universities. However, in many cases, they’re also some of the most expensive.
Install Python on your College Computer
It’s helpful to get students on-board with Python by installing the software on your own computer. This gives students more autonomy over the computer they’re using in class, which can be helpful for some students. It also gives them the opportunity to see what Python looks like in action. This can help students envision their own work using the language, which may be helpful to get them excited about learning it. College students will always be able to use Python in their free time, but getting them familiar with the software before they take any classes is likely to be beneficial.
There are a number of options to install Python on your computer. You can use a pre-made installer, or you can download a ZIP file and unzip it on your computer. If your college allows, you may want to get a separate computer or virtual machine dedicated to Python classes. This can help you avoid interference from other programs on the computer, like word processors or databases.
Learn the Basics of Python
It’s important for students to familiarize themselves with the Python basics. The more students know about Python, the more comfortable they’ll be with the language itself. You can introduce Python to your students using simple examples, or you can use more complex examples to make concepts more accessible. It can be helpful to introduce Python using a visual context, such as using a visual programming environment.
A visual context can help students grasp programming concepts more quickly, including the idea of code as representing and controlling a computer program. You can use a visual programming environment like Scratch, which is built for kids, or you can use a more mature visual programming environment like Microsoft’s Code.org, or online services like Codementor. Visual programming environments can make it easier for students to grasp programming concepts, as they can see how they work on a computer, while also providing them with a creative outlet.
Teach Through Examples and Code Projects
You can teach Python using examples, or you can teach through code projects. Python examples can be useful for teaching students the basics of the language and can help them visualize the logic behind programming. Python also has extensive documentation, with educational resources and examples for just about every programming concept. While you can use written documentation, it can be helpful to create interactive examples to help students understand programming concepts. Code projects such as those available at Practity are another way to teach Python to college students.
You can create assignments that require students to work with code, or assign them to write short programs that demonstrate key concepts. Code projects can be a fun way to encourage students to write and try new things, while also advancing their Python skills.
Use a Tinkering Approach: Make it Playfully Profitable to Learn
You can also use a tinkering approach to teach Python to college students. A tinkering approach can be helpful to get students engaged with Python and to help them get a sense of what the programming language feels like. This approach can be especially helpful for students who have a fear of computers or have a negative relationship with coding before they walk into your classroom. A tinkering approach can help students get a taste for Python, while also making it about more than simply finishing a project. You can use a tinkering approach to teach Python in a variety of different ways. For example, use it to get students comfortable with the language and engaged with programming. Moreover, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, teaching students to work with Python within a team-based project.
Conclusion
Python is a programming language that’s used in almost every industry. The demand for Python programmers is expected to grow by more than 30 percent between 2016 and 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you’re looking to teach Python to college students, you don’t need to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars in tuition or expenses to a software developer. With the right approach, you can teach Python to your students in-person or online, while helping them develop important computer skills that can help them in the workforce.
