Coding Lab Educator Feature: Interview with Jeslyn Goh
Meet Jeslyn, an educator who blends her expertise in computer science and UX design to inspire young minds at Coding Lab!
With a background in front-end development and a passion for teaching, Jeslyn has found a way to not only share her coding knowledge but also encourage creativity and problem-solving in her students.
In this feature, Jeslyn shares insights from her teaching journey, the lessons that shape her approach, and what excites her about the future of coding education. Read on to learn more about Jeslyn’s path to becoming an educator and the passion she brings to the classroom!
“Integrating emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning into coding education allows children to apply what they learn in real-world contexts. This not only makes coding more relevant and engaging, but also helps students understand the future of technology and how they can play a role in shaping it.”
Hi Jeslyn! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Hi! I started learning to code during my undergraduate years at Nanyang Technological University, where I majored in Computer Science. During that time, I developed a strong interest in front-end design and development, which eventually led me to pursue a career as a UX designer and front-end developer.
Our young coders enjoying their class with Educator Jeslyn!
How did you get into teaching coding?
Over time, I realised that I wanted a more fulfilling career — one where I could make a direct impact on others. That’s when I came across this role with Coding Lab and thought, why not give it a shot? With my background in coding, it felt like a great fit!
What lessons from your past school or work experiences continue to be relevant in your role as an educator at Coding Lab?
In UX design, we don’t jump straight into creating a solution—we first take the time to understand the user and their problems. The same approach applies to teaching. By first understanding my students' struggles, I can adjust my teaching methods to make learning more engaging and effective for them.
What are some of your passions and hobbies outside of the classroom?
Outside of the classroom, I enjoy playing mobile games, especially rhythm and puzzle games. I love the challenge of solving puzzles and the satisfaction of hitting the perfect beats in rhythm games—it’s a fun way to unwind while keeping my mind engaged!
“By first understanding my students’ struggles, I can adjust my teaching methods to make learning more engaging and effective for them. I believe in giving students the freedom to explore and experiment, while ensuring we still meet the key learning objectives, which fosters a deeper and more personalized understanding.”
What current or future trends in coding education for children excite you?
Integrating emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning into coding education allows children to apply what they learn in real-world contexts. This not only makes coding more relevant and engaging but also helps students understand the future of technology and how they can play a role in shaping it. It is great that I am able to expose students to such technologies for different age groups (Ages 7-9, 10-12 and 13-18)!
How do you normally conduct your classes?
I like to give my students the freedom to explore and experiment within the framework of the lesson, while ensuring that we still meet the key learning objectives. This helps foster a deeper understanding and makes the learning process more engaging and personalised.
Do you have any memorable stories from your classes? Perhaps an exceptional coding project by one of your students?
During one of my Python holiday camps, I had a student who struggled to code his Python program on the first day. By the end of the 5 day classes, he had successfully written a program with proper syntax. Seeing his progress and how far he’d come made me feel a deep sense of accomplishment.
Do you have any advice for those considering a transition into becoming an educator?
If you're interested in teaching, my advice is to just give it a try. You’ll never really know what it's like until you dive in, and who knows — you might discover that it’s something you’re truly passionate about, or find a path that's a better fit for you!
Jeslyn’s dedication to understanding her students' needs and her passion for emerging technologies like AI and machine learning are just a few of the reasons her students are so fortunate to have her as a guide. Whether it's seeing a student grow from struggling with syntax to successfully completing their project or offering them the freedom to explore their coding creativity, Jeslyn's approach to teaching leaves a lasting impact. We're excited to have educators like Jeslyn who are shaping the next generation of coders with patience, expertise, and passion.