Project Oriented Learning

Learning programming languages is now becoming a mainstream requirement. What once, was considered as forte of a software engineer, has now become a necessity for a manager, an accountant or even a musician.This is mainly due to the proliferation of script-able software tools. Non IT-professionals, avoiding programming tasks are increasingly becoming aware of their restraint in leveraging the power of software tools, critical to their profession. Now, they are willing to  go an extra mile to learn programming. 


There are several way in which they can learn programming.How they learn depends on variety of factors like age group, professional requirements, academic requirements etc. Their learning also depends on where they learn, from whom they learn and the teaching strategy.There is already a huge effort from educational Institutions and Software Industry to improve quality in teaching methods and learning environments.


I would like to classify the Learning strategies for programming languages in three broad categories. 

• Certification Oriented Learning
• Subject Oriented Learning
• Project Oriented Learning.     

Certification Oriented Learning.


In this approach the learner is targeting a certification to be cleared. This certification can be any of the certifications provided by software vendors or may entail university examination. The goal is to clear the exam in flying colors. Majority of the courses offered fall in this category. This types of courses are suitable for university students with programming courses. This course is also suitable for professionals who are targeting a particular vertical in the industry and the certification is recognized in that industry. 


Subject Oriented Learning.


In this approach the learner is not targeting any particular exam but wants to understand the subject of programming and develop skills of reading and writing programs.Here the learning energy can be utilized in understanding of the subject. I would like to point out here that in Certification Oriented Learning a lot of learning energy gets invested in details of hows and whats of the particular certification. Unlike, Certification Oriented Learning where the primary goal is to clear the certification, Subject Oriented Learning's primary goal is to understand the subject. This course is suitable for those who are doing research activities, teachers teaching certification courses, Managers who want to get the feel of the subject.   


Project Oriented Learning. 


In this approach the learner is not just interested in understanding the subject but is also focused on applying it. In the case of programming languages this would mean, undertaking of  a software project. Project Oriented Learning places utmost importance to the ability to deliver the knowledge in terms of solution to a problem. This type of learning is most intensive and need maximum learning energy. Project Oriented Learning makes you ready for the industry. Those who are seeking employment, or are undertaking projects with deadlines, must go for Project Oriented Learning.