Over the years, many enthusiastic and eager parents have tried searching the most effective ways to teach programming to their aspiring teenage kids. Essentially, their interest revolves around finding fun and interactive ways to help their children develop the right techniques required to code as a beginner. Fortunately, modern times unravel modern solutions. Nowadays, there are various resources available to help young students learn how to code. With the advent of technology, there is an app for everything. As such that it is quite useful for beginners to get acquainted with the right programming platforms in their early days.
With the help of these programming platforms, teenagers are taught to write simple programs that make graphical cartoons move, or create easy games while learning the basic tools of coding. These programs also teach beginner tricks such as making loops and incorporating conditionals. Not just that, they also help develop specific problem-solving skills and allow teenagers to think critically. One of the biggest strengths of these programs is the constant and swift visual feedback gained from the platform. Students are kept thoroughly entertained and engaged throughout the curriculum.
Long gone are the days when programming was considered a dreadful activity. In fact, it is one of the most sought-after and financially rewarding career pathways for teenagers.
What is Programming?In simple terms, programming is the process of writing a code that instructs a computer to carry out a task. In general, a task can be as simple as adding two plus two, or as complex as sending a spaceship into space.
Followed by writing a program, the compiler is tasked to convert the written code into machine code – the lowest-level of computer programming language. Once this happens, the machine code commands the central processing unit to take the necessary steps and follow the instructions. The question arises, ‘Why can’t one just write a Machine Code in the first place?’ That’s because the program codes are also to be read by humans.
Let’s explore the different ways we can counter the obstacles that come our way when it comes to teaching Teenagers how to program.
Aspiring Teenagers have High ExpectationsOne of the things to consider is the fact that teenagers absorb new technology like dry and shrivelled sponges. Adults are usually a bit more laid-back and generally okay with staying out of date. Unlike teenagers that have sworn to follow the latest trends and get their hands on the newest technological innovations even before they are patented. Surprising? Not at all. It is almost a matter of privilege and heightened social footing for teenagers to know about all the biggest and coolest trends in the market!
Needless to say, teenagers have high expectations from the programming platform and look ahead to being satisfied. More often than not, they want to be able to ‘hack’ websites and android apps. While such inclination and interest is usually misleading, you have to deal with it tactfully. Otherwise, they immediately become bored and lose interest altogether. You can begin with teaching them the basics of HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
The challenge of teaching them to do something of REAL valueAs mentioned earlier, teenagers want to be a part of something big and exciting that is bound to take their peers by a pleasant surprise! They want to be able to build stuff and create an impact. To their shock, learning how to program is a long and dreary process that requires you to be patient. Needless to say, it is an acquired taste. You need to spend hours in front of your computer screens and type an endless series of human-readable codes than can later be converted into machine codes to perform tasks.
It is important to make them realise that isn’t as simple as it appears to be.
However, the financial rewards and satisfaction derived from creating meticulous software, and developing games that function seamlessly can’t be denied or played down. Learning how to code teachers them to think logically, and apply critical problem-solving skills to be able to develop software that works efficiently. Most importantly, you need to make the process fun for teenagers to retain interest and not be distracted.
Teenagers tend to be quite competitiveIt is no brainer. Teenagers are quite competitive and always look forward to staying ahead of their peers. – Which is a great thing? But we must learn how to help the balance their thoughts, and work constructively to achieve their goals and objectives. You can use competition as a tool to help them reach beyond themselves and continue to exceed their targets.
Teenagers are also quite prone to feedback and genuinely look forward to it. You can introduce exercises that give them instant feedback about their performance, and help them analyse the level they are at. For instance, you can make a scoreboard, and also give them a badge for good performance.
You can also find different coding platforms that use different methods to identify ‘Levels’ of performance that are similar to what teenagers are used to while playing games. Students love the idea of finishing one area of practice, and then levelling up! It really gets them excited to learn about the next level in their programming course. If you are a student and need someone to do your assignment for you, you can consult us for credible academic writing.
For teenagers, competition is rife and might actually be quite good for them. Want them to do better? Give them a reason to.
Final ThoughtsTeaching programming to teenagers can be quite fun and educational. Not only do parents get the opportunity to help them learn complex codes, but also gives them a chance to be in their shoes. Seeing things from their perspective is crucial for teaching methodologies to be effective. Teaching is one of the few professionals that actually help you become a better and more patient individual.
