LEARNING OVERVIEW | WeThinkCode

Overview

Of ways of learning_

The goal of the WeThinkCode_ Curriculum is to facilitate learning that will transform students into competent, entry-level software developers who can quickly add value to the software development teams and organizations they join and be equipped with the technical and behavioural skills to self direct their learning beyond their training at WeThinkCode_.

This model is built from a holistic view of the capabilities and skills a software developer requires in order to be effective in their daily work. It is designed and regularly refreshed by leading practitioners with decades of collective experience in the field.

Pedagogy

We train using a peer-to-peer methodology which means there are no lecturers. Learning material is delivered digitally and students support one another in their learning.

Fundamental software development practices are embedded in the way students must interact with the Learning Management System (LMS).
In the coursework, students are introduced to concepts in bite-sized chunks and subsequently required to demonstrate their understanding by submitting exercise solutions that are functional and working at every step.
We leverage some additional constructs to supplement the coursework such as the Technical Mentor Program and Code Clinics.
The style of instruction is designed to support self-directed and peer-to-peer learning.

Learning Management System

The LMS client is a command-line application used to deliver curriculum content to students and track their submissions and progress.

All exercises come with a set of automated tests that must execute successfully for the student to submit. Additionally, submissions undergo peer reviews in which students are paired up by the system to review each other’s work and give feedback. Students use real industry tools used by professional software practitioners.

Student In-Person Support

While there are no lecturers on campus, to augment the peer-to-peer learning environment, we also provide in-person support in the form of Technical Mentors and Code Clinics.

Code Clinics:

In an effort to encourage cross-pollination, peer-to-peer teaching and learning, Code Clinics is a construct where stronger students volunteer their time to help students who are otherwise struggling.

Technical Mentorship:

Technical Mentors are a nominated group of second-year students with good academic performance, who are trained to support a dedicated group of first-year students. They collaborate alongside WTC_ staff to help first-year students and in addition to being the first line of technical support. Technical Mentors also serve as a channel to drive non-technical outcomes by facilitating activities such as daily/weekly updates, task management and reviewing presentations designed to build confidence in speaking in front of audiences.