Adults often stop learning programming due to several reasons:
- Tutorial Trap: Many adults get stuck in a cycle of continuously taking beginner courses and tutorials without moving on to practical application. This can lead to a feeling of stagnation in skills development and loss of interest in continuing education (KDnuggets).
- Information Overload: Beginners in programming may try to learn too much at once, leading to overwhelm and frustration. This can diminish motivation and lead to discontinuation of learning efforts (FreeCodeCamp).
- Fear of Incompetence: Adults who have achieved expertise in other areas may find it uncomfortable to be beginners again. The fear of appearing incompetent in front of colleagues or subordinates can prevent further learning (Psychology Today).
- Lack of Practice and Real Projects: Mere theoretical learning without hands-on practice or real projects can make the learning process feel abstract and less engaging, thereby reducing the motivation to continue (KDnuggets).
- Differences in Adult Learning: Adults learn differently than children and need a learning approach that considers their previous experience, life needs, and circumstances. Inadequate learning methods can lead to decreased engagement and interest (Digital Promise).
These factors highlight the importance of practical application, appropriate pacing, and a learning approach that takes into account the unique characteristics of adult learners.
When signing up for courses, it’s crucial to critically evaluate the quality of the education provided. If you’re paying for a course that charges by the period and you find that access is cut off after the payment period ends before you’ve completed the materials—forcing you to pay for another period—it might not be the best option for you.
If you’re enrolling in courses at educational institutions, such as professional development or career change programs, it’s equally important to be discerning. Verify that the course content aligns with the skills currently in demand in the job market.
Furthermore, it’s essential to undertake personal projects, preferably small ones, to independently test your skills—essentially, to verify whether you’re truly becoming proficient in programming.
Subpar training or a course that doesn’t suit your needs can lead to discontinuation of your studies. However, recognizing these factors should serve merely as a cue to reconsider and perhaps change your approach to learning, rather than giving up altogether.
