[Edu-sig] Re: Student Assignment Styles

[Jeff Sandys]

Bryce Embry writes:
> ... I'm learning a lot of the material as we go along 
> (I'm a few steps ahead of the students, but not far).
> ...
> ... I've been using what I consider to be smaller projects and am 
> wondering if fewer, larger projects would be better for my kids. ...

I admire your courage for going ahead with Python without a 
syllabus, I am still using Logo for middle school students.

Since I believe that programming is a craft (not an art or science) 
we call our after school programming club a Guild.  Apprentices 
learn what the tools are and how to use them.  Journeymen work on 
small projects at my suggestion or as part of a larger project. 
At this stage they are developing their craft and learning the 
why of their tools.  Once they demonstrate an understanding of 
programming they become a Master.  As a Master they write their 
own programs and ask teachers if there is something that they 
could develop for them and their classes, such as a physics 
simulator or the animal game for understanding classification.
All this apprentice, journeyman, master stuff is informal, 
I don't give tests or allow hazing, the students seem to know 
what level they are.

I strongly encourage the students to work in pairs and teams 
but allow for loners, who usually will join in the fun later. 
I'm not sure if this helps, since I volunteer to run this club 
there is no pressure on me for the students academic performance.

Thanks,
Jeff Sandys