Creative Task Cards for Reflection, Self-Efficiency and Self-Regulation in CS1 Introductory Programming: Initial Insights

2026-07-30

AI Summary

This study addresses the emotional challenges faced by novice computer science learners, who often struggle with low interest, diminished self-efficacy, and insufficient metacognitive and self-regulation strategies. To support their emotional regulation and metacognitive development in CS1 courses, the authors innovatively designed and implemented creative task cards integrating non-traditional approaches such as sketching, peer dialogue, and task decomposition. Employing qualitative methods—including classroom observations, surveys, and focus group interviews—alongside a simulated coding task as an intervention, the research gathered preliminary evidence indicating that students value in-class reflection and peer interaction, utilize drawing to mitigate cognitive overload, and enhance their programming confidence through structured task decomposition.

Abstract

Computer Science students in introductory programming courses struggle with emotional challenges such as low levels of sustained interest and a lack of self-belief. However, students are typically introduced to disciplinary strategies (such as debugging strategies) and not the metacognitive nor self-regulation strategies that could help them overcome such emotional challenges. This paper addresses this issue by introducing creative task cards designed to support students' reflection, self-efficacy, and self-regulation in programming assignments. To evaluate the cards, twenty-nine students used them to complete a mock coding assignment in-class and participated in surveys and focus groups. Our initial qualitative insights suggest that students: found value in taking breaks, particularly when they could leave the classroom to reflect with peers; could use drawing to better reflect on feelings of cognitive overload; and felt more capable progressing with their work once breaking it into smaller steps.

Problem

• self-efficacy
• self-regulation
• metacognition
• emotional challenges
• introductory programming

Innovation

• creative task cards
• self-regulation
• self-efficacy
• reflection
• metacognitive strategies