[PD] Ask a good question for real

[kfklein15]

Coursework content

You need to practice any skills to get good at them. Your homework is to ask your cohort a “Good Question” on the Slack channel when you next have a genuine issue you need help with.

Remember:

• Identify one problem at a time to ask about
• Say what research you’ve already done to try and resolve the problem yourself
• Be specific about the problem
• Be polite and respectful of the person you are asking.
• Be concise (minimal reproducible example) - only give the relevant code snippets or errors messages
• Choose who to ask based on their general expertise, availability, distance from you in the team or who you haven’t asked before.
• Refer to documentation, other code, and discussions with specific links.
• Show what happens when you try your solution.
• Explain what you expected or wanted from your solution.

When others post their good questions, give them feedback on how good they are, along with any constructive feedback on how they might improve. And if you can, answer their question!

Estimated time in hours

1

What is the purpose of this assignment?

Consolidates learning via a plan to practice asking a good question the next time you are stuck.
Trainees can evaluate the questions others ask and give answers if they know.

How to submit

• Add the screenshot of the good question you posted on the Slack channel to this issue
• Respond to others’ questions with a thumbs up for “Well written question” and add comments on what you liked about the question and any suggestions for how the question can be further improved. Share the screenshot of your reaction or comment on this ticket.
• You can also answer other people’s questions if you know the answer!

Anything else?

How to ask good technical questions
How to ask good questions - Julia Evans
Don’t ask to ask