I ask all my students to read (and re-read!) the piece below. Learning something new (such as computer programming) can be challenging and, at times, frustrating. Rather than view these times as failures, I want students to remember that it is an opportunity to ask questions and learn. The work below serves as a reminder of that mindset.
The Beginner's Creed
By Peter J. Denning
- I am a beginner.
- I am entering a new game about which I know nothing.
- I do not yet know how to move in this game.
- I see many other people playing in this game now.
- This game has gone on for many years prior to my arrival.
- I am a new recruit arriving here for the first time.
- I see value to me in learning to navigate in this domain.
- There is much for me to learn:
- The basic terminology
- The basic rules
- The basic moves of action
- The basic strategies
- While I am learning these things I may feel various negative reactions:
- Overwhelmed at how much there is to learn
- Insecure that I do not know what to do
- Inadequate that I lack the capacity to do this
- Frustrated and discouraged that my progress is so slow
- Angry that I have been given insufficient guidance
- Anxious that I will never perform up to expectations on which my career depends
- Embarrassed that everyone can see my mistakes
- But these moods are part of being a beginner. It does not serve my goal and ambition to dwell in them. Instead,
- If I make a mistake, I will ask what lesson does this teach.
- If I make a discovery, I will celebrate my aha! moment.
- If I feel alone, I will remember that I have many friends ready to help.
- If I am stuck, I will ask for help from my teachers.
- Over time, I will make fewer mistakes.
- I will gain confidence in my abilities.
- I will need less guidance from my teachers and friends.
- I will gain familiarity with the game.
- I will be able to have intelligent conversations with others in the game.
- I will not cause breakdowns for promises that I lack the competence to keep.
- I have an ambition to become competent, perhaps even proficient or expert in this game. But for now,
- I am a beginner.