Improve self-paced learner journey

CHANGELOG.md

@@ -83,6 +83,13 @@ The GitHub Actions validation workflow passed on `main` after the audit and lear
 
 ## Unreleased
 
+### Learner journey
+
+- added `LEARNER_PROGRESS.md` so self-paced learners can track module completion, evidence, reflections, and major checkpoints without a fixed calendar;
+- added `READING_GUIDE.md` to make official OpenStax access explicit and clarify that the Diktat is a formal conceptual reference without making an unofficial third-party copy a course dependency;
+- connected the new learner tools from the repository home, Start Here, and self-paced workflow;
+- extended publication validation so learner-progress and reading-access guidance remain part of the public course path.
+
 ### Assessment progression
 
 - removed premature use of Python's `is` identity operator from Module 2 exercises; Module 2 now assesses separate-instance reasoning without Module 11 syntax;

LEARNER_PROGRESS.md

@@ -0,0 +1,100 @@
+# Learner Progress Tracker
+
+Use this file as a lightweight checklist for the self-paced course.
+
+You can copy this page into your own notes, fork the repository, or recreate the checklist in any tool you prefer. The repository does not store personal learner progress.
+
+## How to use the tracker
+
+For each module:
+
+1. study the README and notebook;
+2. complete representative exercises;
+3. attempt the quiz;
+4. complete the assignment or assessment evidence;
+5. attempt the matching [Mastery Checks](MASTERY_CHECKS.md);
+6. write one short reflection;
+7. mark the module complete when you can **explain, apply, and defend** the core idea.
+
+Use the [Self-Assessment Guide](SELF_ASSESSMENT_GUIDE.md) when you are unsure whether to move forward.
+
+## Course progress
+
+- [ ] Module 0 — Python readiness checked; primer completed if needed
+- [ ] Module 1 — Thinking in Objects
+- [ ] Module 2 — Classes, Objects & Instances
+- [ ] Module 3 — State & Behavior
+- [ ] Module 4 — Encapsulation & Abstraction
+- [ ] Module 5 — Object Relationships
+- [ ] Module 6 — Inheritance
+- [ ] Module 7 — Overriding, Polymorphism & Dynamic Binding
+- [ ] Module 8 — Mid-Course Assessment
+- [ ] Module 9 — Abstract Classes & Inheritance Structures
+- [ ] Module 10 — Multiple Inheritance & Mixins
+- [ ] Module 11 — Object Lifecycle, References & Identity
+- [ ] Module 12 — Operator Overloading, Genericity & Modules
+- [ ] Module 13 — Exception Handling & Assertions
+- [ ] Module 14 — OOA, OOD, OOP & OOT
+- [ ] Module 15 — Reusability, Design Patterns & Case Study
+- [ ] Module 16 — Final Project / Final Assessment
+
+## Evidence log
+
+Keep links or filenames for evidence that matters to you.
+
+| Module / checkpoint | Evidence | Reflection / remaining gap |
+|---|---|---|
+| Python readiness |  |  |
+| Module 1 |  |  |
+| Module 2 |  |  |
+| Module 3 |  |  |
+| Module 4 |  |  |
+| Module 5 |  |  |
+| Module 6 |  |  |
+| Module 7 |  |  |
+| Mid-Course Assessment |  |  |
+| Module 9 |  |  |
+| Module 10 |  |  |
+| Module 11 |  |  |
+| Module 12 |  |  |
+| Module 13 |  |  |
+| Module 14 |  |  |
+| Module 15 |  |  |
+| Final Project |  |  |
+
+## Major checkpoints
+
+### Before the Mid-Course Assessment
+
+You should be able to model a small problem with objects, give objects meaningful responsibilities, explain object relationships, use inheritance only for meaningful is-a relationships, and demonstrate overriding/polymorphism.
+
+### Before starting the Final Project
+
+After Module 12, read the [Final Project brief](assessments/final-project/README.md) early. Start collecting candidate modelling decisions and questions; you do not need to implement the full project yet.
+
+### Before completing Module 16
+
+Confirm that you can trace:
+
+```text
+requirement
+→ object-oriented analysis
+→ design decisions
+→ Python implementation
+→ tests
+→ explanation / defense
+```
+
+Use the [Final Project checklist](week-16/final-project-checklist.md) before considering the course complete.
+
+## Completion reflection
+
+When you finish the course, answer:
+
+```text
+The OOP idea I understand most clearly is...
+The design decision I can now defend is...
+The runtime behavior I can now explain is...
+The project evidence I am most confident showing is...
+The topic I still want to revisit is...
+```

READING_GUIDE.md

@@ -0,0 +1,62 @@
+# Reading & Reference Access Guide
+
+The course has exactly two formal references:
+
+1. Inggriani Liem. *Diktat Kuliah Pemrograman Berorientasi Objek*. Departemen Teknik Informatika ITB, 2003.
+2. OpenStax. *Introduction to Python Programming*. 2024.
+
+See [Reference Map](REFERENCE_MAP.md) for module-by-module alignment and [Source Boundary](SOURCE_BOUNDARY.md) for the formal source policy.
+
+## Do I need both references before starting?
+
+No.
+
+The repository is designed to provide the learning path, explanations, executable examples, exercises, assessments, and mastery feedback needed to progress through the course.
+
+The references serve two additional purposes:
+
+- provide traceability for the concepts used by the course;
+- give learners a deeper or alternate explanation when they want one.
+
+A learner should not be blocked from starting Module 1 merely because one external reference is not immediately available.
+
+## OpenStax — free official access
+
+*Introduction to Python Programming* is available free from OpenStax:
+
+https://openstax.org/books/introduction-python-programming/pages/1-introduction
+
+OpenStax provides web access and a PDF option. The course uses it primarily for Python-facing implementation material.
+
+When a module names an OpenStax section, use that section as supporting reading rather than as a separate prerequisite course.
+
+## Inggriani Liem — conceptual reference
+
+The 2003 *Diktat Kuliah Pemrograman Berorientasi Objek* is used primarily for conceptual OOP terminology, modelling, contracts, analysis/design/testing, and reusability concepts.
+
+The repository does not bundle or mirror a copy of the Diktat.
+
+Use a lawful copy available to you through the author, institution, library, instructor, or another source that has permission to distribute it. Do not treat an unofficial third-party upload as an official course dependency.
+
+If you do not currently have access to the Diktat, continue with the module explanation, notebook, exercises, and mastery checks. The [Reference Map](REFERENCE_MAP.md) identifies the concepts being traced to the Diktat.
+
+## Reading strategy
+
+For each module:
+
+```text
+module README
+→ referenced source section when available
+→ notebook examples
+→ exercises
+→ quiz / assignment
+→ mastery check
+```
+
+Do not postpone hands-on work until every external reading is complete. The readings and executable course materials are intended to reinforce each other.
+
+## Reference discipline
+
+External tutorials, videos, documentation, or AI tools may be useful for personal study, but they do not become additional formal course references merely because a learner uses them.
+
+Required course concepts remain governed by [Source Boundary](SOURCE_BOUNDARY.md).

README.md

@@ -12,7 +12,9 @@ Primary lab environment: **Google Colab**
 ## Start learning
 
 - New learner: [Start Here](START_HERE.md)
+- Want to track progress: [Learner Progress Tracker](LEARNER_PROGRESS.md)
 - Ready to run code: [Open notebooks in Google Colab](COLAB.md)
+- Need the course readings: [Reading & Reference Access Guide](READING_GUIDE.md)
 - Want the full pathway: [Course Map](COURSE_MAP.md)
 
 No enrollment or fixed calendar is required.
@@ -79,7 +81,9 @@ Open-course guidance:
 - [Open in Google Colab](COLAB.md)
 - [Open Course Guide](OPEN_COURSE_GUIDE.md)
 - [Self-Paced Learning Guide](SELF_PACED_GUIDE.md)
+- [Learner Progress Tracker](LEARNER_PROGRESS.md)
 - [Self-Assessment Guide](SELF_ASSESSMENT_GUIDE.md)
+- [Reading & Reference Access Guide](READING_GUIDE.md)
 - [Mastery Checks with Worked Feedback](MASTERY_CHECKS.md)
 - [Assessment Alignment](ASSESSMENT_ALIGNMENT.md)
 - [Reference Map](REFERENCE_MAP.md)
@@ -141,6 +145,8 @@ The formal course scope is intentionally aligned to these two references.
 
 The Diktat is used primarily for OOP concepts and terminology. OpenStax is used primarily for Python-facing implementation.
 
+Learners can use the [Reading & Reference Access Guide](READING_GUIDE.md) for the official free OpenStax access path and guidance on using the Diktat without making an unofficial copy a course dependency.
+
 See the [Reference Map](REFERENCE_MAP.md) for module-by-module source alignment and the [Source Boundary](SOURCE_BOUNDARY.md) for the rule that separates formal course concepts, minimal Python implementation bridges, and out-of-scope additions.
 
 ## Repository structure

SELF_PACED_GUIDE.md

@@ -2,7 +2,9 @@
 
 There is no fixed schedule for this course.
 
-Use the [Self-Assessment Guide](SELF_ASSESSMENT_GUIDE.md) to decide when you are ready to move forward.
+Use the [Self-Assessment Guide](SELF_ASSESSMENT_GUIDE.md) to decide when you are ready to move forward and the [Learner Progress Tracker](LEARNER_PROGRESS.md) to record evidence and remaining gaps.
+
+Use the [Reading & Reference Access Guide](READING_GUIDE.md) when a module points to one of the two formal references.
 
 Progress when you can explain and apply the current module, not merely when you have read it.
 
@@ -19,7 +21,8 @@ Progress when you can explain and apply the current module, not merely when you
 8. Attempt the module section in [Mastery Checks](MASTERY_CHECKS.md)
 9. Open the worked feedback only after answering
 10. Explain your solution in your own words
-11. Move forward when the core ideas are clear
+11. Record one evidence link or reflection in the learner tracker
+12. Move forward when the core ideas are clear
 ```
 
 ## Suggested pace

START_HERE.md

@@ -21,7 +21,9 @@ mastery check
 - [Take the Python Readiness Check](00-python-primer/readiness-check.md)
 - [Open Module 0 — Python Primer](00-python-primer/)
 - [Start Module 1 — Thinking in Objects](week-01/)
+- [Copy/use the Learner Progress Tracker](LEARNER_PROGRESS.md)
 - [Open the full Colab notebook index](COLAB.md)
+- [Read the Reference Access Guide](READING_GUIDE.md)
 
 You can begin entirely in the browser. Cloning the repository is optional.
 
@@ -91,17 +93,21 @@ See the [Course Map](COURSE_MAP.md) for detailed learning-outcome and assessment
 
 Move forward when you can explain the core idea, complete a representative exercise, predict and verify example behavior, justify a design decision, and identify what you still do not understand.
 
-## 6. Build evidence as you learn
+## 6. Track progress and build evidence
 
-Keep completed notebooks, selected exercises, coding assignments, design explanations, the mid-course assessment attempt, and the final project as portfolio evidence.
+Use the [Learner Progress Tracker](LEARNER_PROGRESS.md) as an optional checklist.
+
+Keep completed notebooks, selected exercises, coding assignments, design explanations, the mid-course assessment attempt, and the final project as portfolio evidence. Record a short reflection or remaining gap before moving on rather than treating completion as a calendar event.
 
 ## 7. Continue
 
 - [Start Module 1](week-01/)
 - [Open in Google Colab](COLAB.md)
 - [Open Course Guide](OPEN_COURSE_GUIDE.md)
 - [Self-Paced Learning Guide](SELF_PACED_GUIDE.md)
+- [Learner Progress Tracker](LEARNER_PROGRESS.md)
 - [Self-Assessment Guide](SELF_ASSESSMENT_GUIDE.md)
+- [Reading & Reference Access Guide](READING_GUIDE.md)
 - [Mastery Checks](MASTERY_CHECKS.md)
 - [Course Map](COURSE_MAP.md)
 - [Reference Map](REFERENCE_MAP.md)

scripts/validate_course.py

@@ -34,7 +34,9 @@ def required_structure(errors: list[str]) -> None:
         "COURSE_MAP.md",
         "OPEN_COURSE_GUIDE.md",
         "SELF_PACED_GUIDE.md",
+        "LEARNER_PROGRESS.md",
         "SELF_ASSESSMENT_GUIDE.md",
+        "READING_GUIDE.md",
         "MASTERY_CHECKS.md",
         "ASSESSMENT_ALIGNMENT.md",
         "INSTRUCTOR_GUIDE.md",
@@ -437,7 +439,9 @@ def validate_publication_navigation(errors: list[str]) -> None:
             "REFERENCE_MAP.md",
             "SOURCE_BOUNDARY.md",
             "SELF_PACED_GUIDE.md",
+            "LEARNER_PROGRESS.md",
             "SELF_ASSESSMENT_GUIDE.md",
+            "READING_GUIDE.md",
             "ACCESSIBILITY.md",
             "LOCAL_SETUP.md",
             "CITATION.cff",
@@ -454,7 +458,9 @@ def validate_publication_navigation(errors: list[str]) -> None:
             "COURSE_MAP.md",
             "REFERENCE_MAP.md",
             "SELF_PACED_GUIDE.md",
+            "LEARNER_PROGRESS.md",
             "SELF_ASSESSMENT_GUIDE.md",
+            "READING_GUIDE.md",
         ],
     }