How much do you know about the computer that you are? The computer we call “our brain”? And do you sometimes struggle with learning the new programming languages or the features of a new Java version (let’s say Java 17)? Yes?! In that case, this talk is something for you!
In this talk we’ll look at learning a new language from a Linguistic and Neurological perspective, while at the same time looking at how we can apply this in the IT setting we work in. At the end of this talk you will know how your brain stores new information and how that information can be retrieved and used. Next to that you will be given some practical tips and tricks on how to improve your own learning curve and how to help others support others who are in the process of learning.
As a previous speech-and-language therapist I would like to give you a better understanding of how we learn languages and how this knowledge can help us in the never-ending changing world of software development!
14. EXAMPLE
Records
Semantic meaning:
Class with immutable data.
Grammatic rule:
Already implemented constructor, getter, equals(), hashCode() an toString()
Speaking out loud when
learning something new will
strengthen your retrieval abilities
16. EXAMPLE
Records
Semantic meaning:
Class with immutable data.
Grammatic rule:
Already implemented constructor, getter, equals(),
hashCode() an toString()
Create a visualization per
semantical meaning /
grammatical rule
22. AUTOMATE RETRIEVAL FROM LTM
Automatic retrievals will save you a
chunk on your working memory
23. THE PROGRAMMER’S BRAIN
About 20% of a developer’s time
is spent on interruptions.
It takes at least 15 minutes to get back
in your “flow” after an interruption.
28. v Mnemonics
v Different scenarios
v Visualization
v Pros and cons
v Things to be aware of
DICTIONARY + ASSOCIATION BOARD
29. STUDY TIME
Weekly learning schedule:
v Study time: take 30 minutes of learning
• Write down
• Visualize
• Associate
v Use them
v Evaluate
v Explain to others
31. Indirect feedback: Non-urgent situation
Direct feedback: Urgent situation
GIVING FEEDBACK
Kid: “Mama, toy broke”
Mother: “Ohh, did the tin soldier
break?”
Point out the mistake and
optionally show right example.
Let colleague fix it themselves!
Let colleague review your code
with an example on a different
approach.
32. BEHAVIOR
• Learning style
• Feedback style
• Frequency
TECHNICAL
• Reviews on merge requests
• New techniques / articles / blogs
• Recaps
• Question time
• Pair programming
TALK ABOUT IT
Investing the time to learn about
each other’s behavior will save you
time but mostly frustration later on!
33. KEY TAKE AWAYS
• Use design patterns (incl. avoid abbreviations)
• Make use of (Creative) Contextual Association to improve your retrieval strength.
That is; use multiple senses when learning something
• Actively apply what you learn
• Find someone that can correct you
• Automate your LTM retrieval
• Be a supportive mentor Anki || Quizlet
34. • The programmer’s brain – Felienne Hermans
• De taalontwikkeling van het kind - Annemarie Schaerlaekens
• Afasie – Reni Dharmaperwira-Prins & Willemijn Maas
• Atonomy & Physiology – J. Anthony Seikel, Douglas W. King & David G. Drumright
• Intellectual and Memory Impairments - Joseph Jankovic MD, in Bradley and Daroff's
Neurology in Clinical Practice, 2022
• https://funtech.co.uk/latest/at-what-age-can-a-child-start-coding
• https://teachyourkidscode.com/coding-for-kindergarten-5-basic-coding-concepts-5-
year-olds-can-understand/
SOURCES
