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Discussion on: I'm Danny de Vries, Web development lecturer at the Amsterdam University, Ask Me Anything!

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dandevri profile image
Danny de Vries • Edited

Motivation is the most important aspect. Every student can learn how to program. Getting started is not the hardest part, it's to keep pushing true if you feel like you don't understand anymore.

From a technical perspective, specific to JavaScript, the difference between console.logging and actually getting input from the DOM is one of the hardest conceptc to understand. Oh, and CSS layout / Box model!

I would treat presenting like public speaking, these book recommendations from Notist are a nice way to start. Design is a Job from Mike Monteiro is a good confidence booster.

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lightalloy profile image
Anna Buianova

Thanks!
Could you answer one more question:
What's the biggest challenge for you as a teacher? Or maybe what was the biggest challenge when you had just started teaching?

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Danny de Vries

Sure!

  • Not every student has the same motivation and eagerness to learn.
  • Coaching is hard, it's not about slides and theory. It's about motivating students and getting them interested in particular topics.
  • Making students realize they are not making assignments and exercises because I want them to and they get a grade but it's theory that is needed for their own career paths.
  • Students shouldn't compare themselves to others in their classroom but compare who they were yesterday. It's hard to make them set their own goals and define their skill level and learning path.
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lightalloy profile image
Anna Buianova

Thanks again!