I'm currently in my second semester of Computer Science at college. Before starting, I dabbled in CS50P, which taught me some basics of Python. In my first semester, we covered C++, and I managed pretty well because I had some foundational knowledge. However, in my second semester, we're tackling Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) in Java for the first time, and shifting from procedural to OOP was a challenge at first, but I'm starting to grasp it.
Still, this semester feels overwhelming since I don't have the same prior knowledge as I did in the first semester, and I often find myself zoning out during lectures or feeling drowsy. I've watched videos online that clarify concepts, making it feel easy to understand, but when it comes to assignments, I struggle. When I attempt to work on them right before the deadlines, I often feel frustrated and lost about where to begin.
The assignments mainly involve real-life applications and don't provide clear instructions. I try to dissect the questions, sometimes leaning on language learning models for guidance, but that just adds to my confusion. I can understand the pseudocode but then run into errors that lead me to copy-paste solutions instead of coding on my own. I know I'm capable of grasping concepts because I can review the model-generated code, but I also feel inadequate when I can't solve what seems like simple tasks. Lately, I've been concerned that this pattern is hindering my logical thinking. Am I truly learning anything, or just fooling myself? I find that I can't even code solutions without knowing what the expected output should be, and during lab exams, my mind just goes blank. Afterward, I always think about how I could have approached things differently, and I can't deal well with time pressure.
5 Answers
You’re not alone in this struggle. Learning doesn’t come from just seeing a solution but from grappling with problems. If you keep relying on language models for your code, you’re not experiencing the learning part of it. Delve into coding errors and non-working solutions; that’s where growth occurs!
Yeah, it seems like you might be approaching the learning process from the wrong angle. Understanding what's been done is great, but you need to actively write code and face those challenges yourself. Try breaking problems down into smaller tasks—it helps in both learning and actually finishing assignments. Repetition is key, so keep at it, and it will get easier!
It sounds like you're hitting a common roadblock. Being able to read and understand code is a start, but actually writing it is where the real practice happens. You can't expect to build muscle if you're just watching others work out, right? You need to get your hands dirty with coding to strengthen those skills.
If you’re zoning out during lectures, it might be a good idea to seek help. Constantly feeling sleepy or unfocused is a red flag that could impact your learning. Try to find support from counselors or peers. Many schools offer resources like study groups or teaching assistants who can clarify exercise interpretations. It’s important to engage actively, and don’t hesitate to seek that help!
Not everyone can thrive under pressure, and that's totally okay. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a moment to reassess your path in CS. It’s better to explore areas where you feel a genuine interest than to push through something that’s hard to handle. Remember, real joy comes from solving problems yourself. Don’t lose that spark, but give yourself grace while you navigate this learning journey.
I relate to that! I really love the thrill of solving problems, but lately, it's just felt so draining and frustrating.