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Podcast.__init__

Using Deliberate Practice To Level Up Your Python

Summary

An effective strategy for teaching and learning is to rely on well structured exercises and collaboration for practicing the material. In this episode long time Python trainer Reuven Lerner reflects on the lessons that he has learned in the 5 years since his first appearance on the show, how his teaching has evolved, and the ways that he has incorporated more hands-on experiences into his lessons. This was a great conversation about the benefits of being deliberate in your approach to ongoing education in the field of technology, as well as having some helpful references for ways to keep your own skills sharp.

Announcements

  • Hello and welcome to Podcast.__init__, the podcast about Python and the people who make it great.
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  • You listen to this show to learn and stay up to date with the ways that Python is being used, including the latest in machine learning and data analysis. For even more opportunities to meet, listen, and learn from your peers you don’t want to miss out on this year’s conference season. We have partnered with organizations such as O’Reilly Media, Corinium Global Intelligence, ODSC, and Data Council. Upcoming events include the Software Architecture Conference in NYC, Strata Data in San Jose, and PyCon US in Pittsburgh. Go to pythonpodcast.com/conferences to learn more about these and other events, and take advantage of our partner discounts to save money when you register today.
  • Your host as usual is Tobias Macey and today I’m pleased to welcome back Reuven Lerner to talk about the benefits of deliberate practice for learning and improving programming skills

Interview

  • Introductions

  • How did you get introduced to Python?

  • In your first appearance on the show back in episode 2 we talked about your experience as a Python trainer. How has your teaching style evolved in the past 5 years?

    • How has the focus and scope of your training changed in that time period?

  • What have you found to be some of the most helpful and effective tactics in your training?

  • From the learner perspective, what are some strategies that you recommend for retaining information, particularly in the context of gaining technical knowledge?

  • In-person training vs. real-time online training vs. recorded videos, advantages and disadvantages of each.

  • Blended learning, in which we combine aspects of the above

    • Beyond in-person training, what are your preferred methods for learning and maintaining new skills?

  • What is deliberate practice and how does it differ from the habits that many of us might default to?

    • What are some of the resources that you provide for students of your trainings for practicing?
    • What are some of the outside resources which you have found most useful or effective?

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The intro and outro music is from Requiem for a Fish The Freak Fandango Orchestra / CC BY-SA

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