Finishing a video is an activity. Understanding is something you can demonstrate. After each topic, use these five checks to see what is solid and what needs another pass.
| Checkpoint | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Explain | Describe the idea without copying the tutorial. |
| Build | Implement a small feature from a blank starting point. |
| Change | Adapt the feature when one requirement changes. |
| Debug | Find and explain an intentionally introduced failure. |
| Compare | Explain why you chose one option over another. |
Example: course enrollment
Build an enrollment operation. Then change the requirement: the same learner cannot enroll twice, and only eligible learners may enroll. Can you update the model, explain the validation, and test the behavior?
Make the next step smaller
If a check feels difficult, isolate the missing piece. A focused exercise that closes one gap is more useful than restarting an entire course without knowing why.
Keep a short learning log: what I tried, what failed, what changed, and what I can now explain.