Pair programming is a cool way for two people to work together on one computer to write code. Many tech companies use this method because it helps programmers learn from each other and create high-quality code. In your classroom, pair programming can be just as beneficial!
When students work in pairs, they can teach each other new things and improve their teamwork and communication skills. It’s a hands-on way to learn, and it allows the teacher to help out more easily. Plus, with students sharing devices, you don’t need as many computers for everyone to participate.
Think about how to pair up your students. You might want to match someone who needs a bit of help with someone who is more advanced, or you could pair friends or encourage them to work with someone new. You know your class best, so choose pairs that will work well together.
Once you have your pairs, assign one student to be the “driver” and the other to be the “navigator.” The driver is the only one who should touch the computer, while the navigator helps by thinking about what to do next. Both roles are important, so make sure they switch roles often. You can even show them a video about pair programming to help them understand better.
Now it’s time for the students to work on a coding activity, like a puzzle on Code Studio or another online task. If you have time afterward, talk about how pair programming helped them learn more about computer science.
And that’s it! Pair programming is a fun and effective way to learn coding. Don’t forget to share your pair programming experiences and tips on Twitter and tag @TeachCode!
Imagine you’re in a tech company using pair programming. One of you will be the “driver” and the other the “navigator.” Switch roles every 10 minutes. Discuss how each role felt and what you learned from each other.
Work with your partner on a coding puzzle in Code Studio. Use pair programming techniques: the driver writes the code while the navigator suggests improvements. Reflect on how working together helped solve the puzzle.
Practice clear communication by explaining a simple task to your partner without using gestures. This will help you become a better navigator in pair programming. Share what was challenging and how you overcame it.
Keep a journal of your pair programming sessions. Write about what you learned, any challenges you faced, and how you solved them together. This will help you track your progress and improve over time.
After a pair programming session, give each other constructive feedback. Discuss what went well and what could be improved. This will help you both become better programmers and collaborators.
Here’s a sanitized version of the provided YouTube transcript:
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Pair programming is the practice of matching two programmers to work collaboratively on one device. In the tech industry, many companies use pair programming as a powerful way to support and develop coders while ensuring that the code being developed is of high quality.
In your classroom, pair programming offers the same benefits and more. Working in pairs allows students to teach each other and encourages teamwork and communication. They gain a hands-on learning experience while you take on a more supportive role in the lesson. Additionally, pair programming helps stretch your resources; with students working together, you only need half as many devices.
Here’s how it works:
**Step One: Create Your Pairs**
Consider the best way to match your students. You might pair students who are struggling with those who are further ahead, pair friends together, or have them work with someone new. You know your classroom best and what it will take for your students to be successful.
**Step Two: Explain the Details**
Once students are divided, assign one student to be the navigator and the other to be the driver. Explain that only the driver should touch the device while the navigator thinks ahead. Make sure students understand that each role is important and encourage them to switch roles often. If you want to emphasize this idea further, you can show them the code.org video about pair programming linked below.
**Step Three: Program**
Have students work in their pairs on a Code Studio puzzle or another online activity. If time allows, debrief the experience. Discuss how pair programming adds value to their computer science learning.
It’s as easy as that! Be sure to share pair programming tips and stories on Twitter and tag @TeachCode.
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This version maintains the essential information while ensuring clarity and professionalism.
Pair Programming – A way of coding where two people work together at one computer to write code. – During pair programming, one student typed the code while the other helped solve problems.
Code – A set of instructions written in a programming language that a computer can understand and execute. – The students wrote code to create a simple game in their computer class.
Computers – Electronic devices that can store, retrieve, and process data to perform various tasks. – Computers are used in schools to help students learn new skills and complete assignments.
Teamwork – Working together with others to achieve a common goal, especially in coding projects. – Teamwork was essential for the group to finish their coding project on time.
Skills – Abilities or expertise needed to do tasks well, such as coding or problem-solving. – Learning to code helps students develop important skills for the future.
Students – People who are learning in a school or educational setting, often involved in coding activities. – The students were excited to show their parents the coding projects they had completed.
Coding – The process of writing instructions for computers to perform specific tasks. – Coding can be fun and creative, allowing students to build their own apps and games.
Driver – In pair programming, the person who writes the code while the other person guides and reviews. – As the driver, Alex focused on typing the code accurately while his partner gave suggestions.
Navigator – In pair programming, the person who reviews the code and provides guidance to the driver. – The navigator pointed out a mistake in the code that the driver quickly fixed.
Learn – To gain knowledge or skills through study, experience, or teaching, especially in coding. – The students were eager to learn new coding techniques to improve their projects.
