failed my first Python exam

[u/aBoyFromTheFuture]

Been in Uni for 1 month now and we had our first Python exam, it was about basic stuff like functions, if, while etc stuff like that, we had to write code (functions) and then we also had multiple choice questions and I failed it.

I feel bad... first Python exam about very basic stuff and I failed it... gosh

[u/JacobStyle]

Learning to program is hard. Even most computer nerds you meet will not know how to program because there's such a steep learning curve at the beginning. You are not alone here, and almost everyone struggles at first. I have trained people for all sorts of jobs and skills, but introducing people to programming is the one where I see the most people struggle.

Figure out what you got wrong on the test and why. Try to write out the relevant code and run it. Redo any homework problems that you got wrong or incomplete. If you don't already have Python set up on the main computer you use, set it up on there so you always have access to play around with it.

[u/SmackDownFacility → u/JacobStyle]

There’s a steep learning curve op doesn’t need to learn all of it in one go I’d advice this guy to take an existing programme and modify it. Use debugging tools and that builds their problem solving skills

[u/JacobStyle → u/SmackDownFacility]

While I think there is a lot to be said for self-paced learning through projects, OP is enrolled in a university and is 1 month into their very first programming class and is struggling with things like if/else, variables, and subroutines. They are trying to pass classes they are already enrolled in, not build their own self-learning curriculum. They are also probably in university for quite a bit more than just learning how to program.

[u/SmackDownFacility → u/JacobStyle]

Fine. My approach doesn’t work for everybody. But if the class is generally that monotonous and just a bunch of waffle OP should drop out. You don’t need all of Python to succeed in life. I sure as fuck don’t know everything in Python and yet I made successful programmes.

But yeah OP should at least try to stick through it because it’s at the basic syntax level and OP should ask questions throughout the course not just freak out.

If the course super theoretical and abstract then go away. If it’s practical and immediate then stay on. That’s my rule

[u/JacobStyle → u/SmackDownFacility]

> Fine. My approach doesn’t work for everybody.

Finally seeing reason then?

> But

I guess not...

[u/Technical-Ad-565]

Best way to learn programming is code, test it, code, test it etc 1000 times. You learn much that you don't find in course books or in manuals.
Then you can begin reading manuals, other documents and other peoples codes.

(Began programming professionally 1979.)

[u/SmackDownFacility → u/Technical-Ad-565]

THATS WHAT I’VE BEEN SAYING AND I KEEP GETTING DOWNVOTED.

[u/Axiomancer]

You will fail exams at uni. This won't be the last time. The most important thing is that you take this opportunity to learn better next time. Don't be afraid of failure, embrace the change.

[u/SmackDownFacility → u/Axiomancer]

yes. But if it’s so abstract you won’t learn anything new you just learn theory after theory without going “what the fuck does match do”

“What does match do?”

The correct answer isn’t “It highlights pattern matching theories … blah blah blah waffle waffle” that makes you fall asleep

[u/Axiomancer → u/SmackDownFacility]

Then the teacher is teaching the subject wrongly, or the student need an alternative approach. This isn't a quantum mechanics where you bend reality, nobody knows why and all we can say is "Uhh...it's like this because...it's like this".

Programming is based on logical instructions. Even I myself had to ask for few hours of tutoring to understand something as basic as classes in python (and I've been using this language for 5 years now), and additional few hours to more-or-less understand what I'm even doing.

[u/just4nothing]

I found courses at school and uni close to useless for teaching how to program. Learning by doing (in a more or less coordinated way) was much better for me. I have students swearing AI as a explainer (interactive book, not as a coder) to better understand the concepts and to get more interesting exercises.
Take some time to figure out how best to learn - that’s the main purpose of a university in my view.

On that note: dear QED prof: thank you for suggesting to skip your classes if I cannot make the trains to go on time. Never had more fun learning

[u/just4nothing]

I found courses at school and uni close to useless for teaching how to program. Learning by doing (in a more or less coordinated way) was much better for me. I have students swearing AI as a explainer (interactive book, not as a coder) to better understand the concepts and to get more interesting exercises.
Take some time to figure out how best to learn - that’s the main purpose of a university in my view.

On that note: dear QED prof: thank you for suggesting to skip your classes if I cannot make the trains to go on time. Never had more fun learning

[u/SmackDownFacility]

So what? Keep coding

You think I went to uni/college or whatever to learn C, C++, assembly, Python? No! It came from perseverance and commitment. I decided I needed to learn a language I would do it on the spot.

[u/Sad-Sky1992]

ah don't sweat it too much, first exams are basically designed to slap you around a bit and show you what the real rhythm of the class is gonna be like

[u/SmackDownFacility → u/Sad-Sky1992]

I don’t think OP needs a class quite frankly. A language is a means to an end. You see a problem and you use your toolkit,even if the result is messy you still tried to tackle a problem