Computer science begins as a fun subject in the junior classes. However, students progress from one class to the next; the topics that need to be studied become extremely difficult. Creating software and understanding programs is not something that can be learned overnight. There is a lot of hard work and effort involved.
What should parents and teachers know?
As a teacher, it is important to understand that not every student will have the same level of understanding or capacity to the same work. Some students will require more attention, extra classes and explanation than others. It is your job to provide the help and assistance that they require.
Parents should also understand that there are subjects that their children will enjoy and dislike. If computer science programming is not their area of interest but a required subject in class, do not push them and try to force them to study. Instead encourage them to get good marks and reward them for their efforts.
Remember, there is always a technique in getting students to work hard for subjects they do not like or struggle with understanding.
9 ways students can help themselves
- Set a Schedule
Creating a routine for oneself is the first step towards making any progress. A schedule will help in keeping a track of all the work you have done and work that needs to be completed. By doing at least an hour’s work every day, understanding the topic and spacing out critical junctures in the assignment will be easy. A schedule will also help you refrain from procrastinating and submitting the assignment late. Maintaining a routine will give you enough time to gather everything you need for a well informed and detailed studying process.
- Do Sufficient Research
Computer science programming is not an easy subject. Unlike an English creative writing essay, it is impossible to make up facts and submit them to your professors. It is crucial to do a sufficient amount of research before beginning any assignment. This will also help in gaining a better understanding of the topic and subject. While doing research, remember to be analytical and critical when choosing information to include in an assignment. Do not simply copy everything you see. Pick facts that are relevant and will showcase your ability to analyze a topic. Once you have all the information you need, proceeding with a plan and completing the assignment will be easy.
- Take Notes
Students tend to over estimate their ability to remember all the details about a project given by a teacher. When a teacher is explaining a topic or assigning guidelines, it is very important to take notes. The guidelines will help you define the lines along which research must be done and assembled. Paying attention in class, fully understanding the topic, format, and the process of writing the assignment will make it simple and stress free. Making a note of the deadline will also ensure that you do not submit the assignment late or lose any marks unnecessarily.
- Ask for Help
There is never any shame in asking for help. If there are certain portions that are difficult to understand or comprehend, ask a friend, peer member, teacher, tutor or parent for assistance. While in class, it is essential to pay attention to the teacher and understand the instructions. If you face any difficulty in comprehending certain facts or guidelines, ask the teacher about it immediately.
There is no harm in repeatedly clarifying certain points to ensure that there are no mistakes while doing your assignment. When a problem arises during the writing process, try and solve it on your own or you may consult with some professional websites but do not spend an unnecessary amount of time on it. Put it aside for later or ask someone for help and then move on to other sections.
- Create a Plan
Having a plan of action or outline makes the process of doing assignments much easier. It also helps in allotting the required amount of time for each section of the plan. Before beginning a project, decide where you’re going to start, which sections will be attempted first, what is a priority in the project; how and when you’re going to end the project; details to be included within the project, etc.
All these little details will ease the process of writing. It also helps you stay organized. At the end of the day, an organized mind leads to an organized life.
- Create Challenges
The point of knowing your boundaries is to push them – that is if you want to achieve more and be better at the work you set out to do. While doing computer science programming homework, the challenges you set for yourself can be as simple as time challenges. Set a timer for a specific amount of work you want to complete and do not allow yourself to get distracted till that work is over.
The more practice is involved in doing this; the better the outcome will be, eventually. This will help you save time and learn different ways of studying and completing assignments in the most efficient way possible.
- Use Games
It is common knowledge that homework and assignments can be rather boring. In order to encourage yourself and make it more interesting, assignments can be turned into games. Create a quiz that may involve another person, use flash cards and time games to make assignment more fun and challenging; and thus, more interesting. Create games occasionally to break away from the monotony of doing the same work. This will also help keep you interested in the subject or topic of the assignment.
- Take Breaks
Working continuously is draining, tiring and not conducive for productivity. Every hour or so, while writing an assignment, it is important to take a 5 to 15 minute break. This will help to refresh your mind. Get yourself a snack, take a walk, lay down with your eyes closed, or simply listen to a song or two. Instead of distracting you, it will actually help with focus and studying for long hours.
- Reward Yourself
After working hard on an assignment, it is important to reward yourself for a job well done. This is sure to keep your spirits high. Spend an extra fifteen minutes watching television, playing a game or listening to music at night. This will reinforce the idea that the more work efficient work you do, the more rewarding the outcome will be. Not only will it help in attaining good grades, but there is also some much needed rest and recreation at the end of it.
Use the above mentioned tips to do the best you can for your computer science programming assignments and get over any hurdles that are encountered!