Creative Task Cards help CS1 students reflect, self-regulate, and build confidence
29 students used drawing and breaks to overcome coding frustration and cognitive overload
Deep Dive
In a study with 29 introductory programming students, researchers introduced creative task cards aimed at supporting reflection, self-efficacy, and self-regulation during a mock coding assignment. Initial qualitative insights suggest students valued taking breaks—especially when they could leave the classroom to reflect with peers—used drawing to better reflect on feelings of cognitive overload, and felt more capable of progressing once they broke their work into smaller steps.
Key Points
- 29 CS1 students tested creative task cards during a mock coding assignment, followed by surveys and focus groups
- Students reported that leaving the classroom to reflect with peers during breaks was particularly valuable
- Drawing helped students manage cognitive overload, while breaking work into smaller steps increased perceived capability
Why It Matters
Simple, low-cost creative interventions can address emotional barriers in coding education, improving student retention and self-confidence in CS1.