What happens when a linguist learns to code?
summary
A linguist-turned-coder argues that specific lessons from language study improve programming learning: concrete claims include optional parens transfer (JavaScript → Ruby error patterns), quirky Ruby anonymous-class naming behavior, and using tools like Scratch and Sonic Pi to separate concepts from syntax. Pedagogy recommendations are learner-centered curricula, content-based projects, and staying in the Zone of Proximal Development with pairing, scaffolding, and checking comprehension rather than flooding novices with jargon.
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chapters (19)
- 0:00Intro
- 0:13What happens when a linguist learns to code?
- 3:26HUMAN VS COMPUTER FIRST LANGUAGE ACQUISITION SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION TEACHING LANGUAGE PROGRAMMING PEDAGOGY
- 4:07the mental system that allows human beings to form and interpret the sounds, words, and sentences of their language
- 5:34Grammatical knowledge is subconscious
- 6:18a new nice house
- 9:01All grammars change over time
- 11:56How do humans learn language?
- 12:16Exposure + feedback + inborn knowledge
- 13:00Can we compare learning a first human language and a first programming language?
- 14:07How can we decouple concepts from syntax?
- 15:18First language transfer
- 18:54Learner centered instruction
- 19:26How do we know what a diverse group of learners need?
- 20:36What would content based coding instruction look like?
- 21:20My experience with the Zone of Proximal Development
- 25:45What might Content Based Instruction look like for coding instruction?
- 25:59Explain concepts with real world examples
- 32:06What does happens when a linguist learns to code?
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