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Aamir Mirza
25,077 PointsMore code challenges like these!
Hi,
I think it would be super helpful in the learning process if there were more code challenges like this one (https://teamtreehouse.com/library/javascript-basics/introducing-javascript/the-console-challenge) where you're given a task and set out to do it, and are then given the solution in another video.
I find it better than step-by-step code challenges because you'll have to come up with the code yourself, and solve any problems that may arise. This emulates a real programming environment, because most of the time, you're -not- given an instruction list, detailing step-by-step, of what to do next to accomplish the end goal. Rather, you have to have an intuitive understanding of what must be done next.
In this code challenge, one simply had to fix the errors, but it can be used for various other kinds of code challenges. I think a lot of the "extra credit" challenges commonly found at the end of achievements could do with having a solutions video. It would give me some motivation to at least try the extra credit challenges.
tl;dr - less code challenges with step-by-step instructions, and more experimenting code challenges with clear end goals/results.
Dane Parchment
Treehouse Moderator 11,075 PointsI agree with basically everything you stated here. I would only change a few things though. Based on the multitude of questions asked on the forums and a basic knowledge of how non-programmers/designers think the step-by-step challenges are a must, without them you would probably hear more complaints and I don't think the goal of the challenges is to test your understanding of the concept but more or less to help you remember what you learned in the video.
What I would do is keep the easy step-by-step challenges but at the end of a series include an optional challenge that you have to go through yourself with another optional solution videos (similiar to their extra credit). This way we keep everyone happy, the beginners don't have to stress out with brain-bending challenges after every other video, and the hardcore programmers and designers can bend their own brains at the end of a course!
1 Answer
Ted Sumner
Courses Plus Student 17,967 PointsI like the extra credit, but wish they had an answer video for those. Otherwise, I think the step by step is good for basic courses and should move to more task based as the courses become more advanced.
Michelle de Haan-Pitman
2,310 PointsMichelle de Haan-Pitman
2,310 PointsPersonally think there is a place for both. I was impressed by the quality of the exercises in javascript-basics course and disappointed with the exercises in JQuery-basics which relied on short term memory rather than understanding.