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Alex Forseth
8,017 PointsThe challenges always leave me questioning my abilities. How should I evaluate whether to move on or not honestly?
I just finished both javascript basics and loops, arrays and objects. When I go through these units I feel like I have a decent grasp of the concepts because of the way I perform on the quizzes and mini exercises.
However, every time I get to the end of the unit when it comes challenge time, I usually very much struggle with these and have to watch the solution video before I finish an actual solution.
My question is. How telling is this of where I am at? Should I be reviewing if I am not creative enough to handle or pass most of the challenges? What is the best way to grade myself without having to use treehouse techdegree? And how should I approach this in regards to my own learning?
Thanks,
3 Answers
Samuel Ferree
31,722 PointsIf you are new to coding, I'm not sure you could pass the challenges without referencing the video or notes.
I've worked as a software engineer for 10 years, and looking up how to do something is like 80% of what I do. It's perfectly normal to consult notes, reference websites, (stack overflow is a lifesaver) or books.
As far as "grading yourself" you never really get to a point where you're just "good enough" to make something. I make full stack web apps for a living, and in any framework I use, I'd still to this day have to pull up a reference sheet to build a simple blogging app.
You'll get more comfortable with structures like loops, arrays, and objects the more you use them. So don't worry so much about referencing other material, just keep plugging along.
Dave McFarland
Treehouse TeacherHi Alex Forseth
Don't beat yourself up. If you need to watch the "solution" video first, then do it! Sometimes you just need to see a few solutions to help you see how to problem solve for yourself.
What I would suggest is to watch the solution video, then try to build the solution on your own. Even though you've seen how to do it, if you make yourself recreate that same solution from memory you're training your brain and reinforcing what you've learned.
Hope that helps -- learning is challenging and if it didn't hurt a little bit, you wouldn't be learning :)
Good luck and have fun!
Michael Martinez
5,681 PointsGreat Response! Wasting to much time is a bad thing. I try to limit my stuck time. Finding the answer and coming back is a great thing.
Saqib Ishfaq
13,912 PointsGreat advice, i had the same issue and i was trying to follow ur way wot u suggested here but was wondering if its helping me or is it cheating :/ i feel better now lol n i hope that helps me!! one more thing i been asking on various forums is that , i wana know if techdegree is right path for me if i wana be job ready in 3-4 months or shal i keep following tracks version for now!! coz m new to javascript
Antwaun Johnson
Courses Plus Student 11,157 PointsJust want to add that as someone having the same issue, these responses have been very helpful