[Edu-sig] Learning (some more) programming

[Arthur]

Have dug in quite a bit to VPython's code, which has become an intensive 
C++ course for me.  And have accomplished a good deal in keeping the 
project moving forward, healthy and on-track.  I happen to be proud of that.

90% of the battle for this kind of intensive learning process always 
seems to be motivation.  And I don't quite know how learning something 
like C++ might be approached in other than an intensive manner.

What I find is that even on the issue of motivation, the dynamics are 
nonlinear.  Just the right mix of curiosity, practical benefit, desire 
to contribute, desire for status and recognition,  and, of course, 
spite   ;)  is what I happen to need to get focused at this level.

One theme that seems to run through discussions here is related to this 
issue. Is it the educators' mission to find just the right motivational 
buttons and push them just right ???  Or rather focus on responding 
appropriately to those who come to the learning process with some 
critical mass level of  motivation???

It seems to be one of the fault lines, in some of the discussions here.

If one rejects possibility of the first approach - despite possibilities 
of computer/human symbiosis, the issue becomes easier. 

So for me, its easier.

Art