Part 1 – Warm-up Discussion
10–12 minutes
How do you approach learning a new programming language or framework?
Do you prefer structured courses, tutorials, or diving straight into projects?
What's the most effective way you've learned something technical?
Have you ever taken an online course or bootcamp? Was it worth it?
What's the difference between knowing how to code and knowing how to learn?
Part 2 – Target Language & Vocabulary
15–20 minutes
📖 Key Vocabulary
Learn these important words before using them in phrases:
| Word/Phrase | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| retain | to keep or remember information | I retain information better through hands-on practice. |
| grasp | to understand | It took me time to grasp functional programming concepts. |
| self-paced | progressing at your own speed | I prefer self-paced online courses. |
| absorb | to take in and understand information | I can't absorb information if I'm tired. |
| trial and error | learning by trying and making mistakes | I learned CSS through trial and error. |
| steep learning curve | difficult to learn initially | Kubernetes has a steep learning curve. |
🎯 Practice Exercise: Drag & Drop Vocabulary
Complete the text below by dragging the vocabulary words to fill in the blanks. The text uses the context from this lesson's topic.
retain
grasp
self-paced
absorb
trial and error
steep learning curve
I find it easier to information when I practice coding immediately after learning. Some concepts take time to fully even after reading documentation. I prefer online courses where I can learn at my own speed. Active coding helps me new concepts better than passive watching. Learning through is essential for understanding why certain patterns work. React hooks had a when I first started, but now they feel natural.
🔤 Key Phrases & Expressions
| Phrase | Example |
|---|---|
| When learning something new, I... | When learning something new, I start with the fundamentals and then build small projects. |
| I find it helpful to... | I find it helpful to learn by doing rather than just reading documentation. |
| My learning style is... | My learning style is hands-on—I need to practice and make mistakes to really understand. |
| I've had success with... | I've had success with online courses that combine video lectures with coding exercises. |
| The key to retaining information is... | The key to retaining information is repetition and applying what you learn immediately. |
| Self-learning requires... | Self-learning requires discipline, curiosity, and knowing where to find reliable resources. |
| One strategy that works for me is... | One strategy that works for me is breaking complex topics into smaller, manageable chunks. |
| I struggled with... until I... | I struggled with async programming until I built a project that required it. |
Homework Assignment
Complete after class
📝 Writing Task
Write about your learning process (250-300 words). Describe how you learn best, what resources you use, what strategies have worked (or failed), and how your approach to learning has evolved over time.