Scaffolding the Design Process using Parsons Problems

The design process for solving a problem requires recollection of previously learned strategies to identify and organise tasks for implementation. With minimal background knowledge in software design, novices might spend less time designing, potentially leading to misunderstandings about the problem's goals and a lower rate of completed tasks. Novices could benefit from explicit support in the design process, supporting them in gaining design experience to develop internal knowledge and skills in identifying and organising tasks. We present preliminary results experimenting with Parsons Problems as a scaffolding tool to provide CS1 students with design guidance. Findings reveal that students who do not complete the activity receive lower assessment grades, but additional analysis is required to realise methods to measure the impact when Parsons Problems are used to support design knowledge and skills.