Lowering the barriers to computer programming requires understanding how to scaffold learning. Parsons problems, which require learners to drag-and-drop blocks of code into the correct order and indentation, are proving to be beneficial for scaffolding learning how to write code from scratch. But little is known about the ability of other problem types to do so. This study explores learners' perceptions of a new programming environment called Codespec, which was developed to make computer programming more accessible and equitable by offering multiple means of engagement. Retrospective think-aloud interviews were conducted with nine programmers who were given the choice between Faded Parsons and Pseudocode Parsons problems as optional scaffolding toward solving write-code problems. The results showed that offering Faded and Pseudocode Parsons problems as optional scaffolds supported comprehension monitoring, strategy formation, and refinement of prior knowledge. Learners selectively used Faded Parsons problems for syntax/structure and Pseudocode Parsons problems for high-level reasoning. The costs noted included the time it takes to drag-and-drop the blocks and the confusion experienced when a solution diverges from a learners' mental model. Faded Parsons problems were also perceived as a desirable challenge. This study contributes to the field of computing education and human-computer interaction by extending the functionality of problem spaces that support Parsons problems and by providing empirical evidence of the effectiveness of using other problem types as scaffolding techniques.

翻译：降低计算机编程的门槛需要理解如何搭建学习脚手架。帕森斯问题要求学习者将代码块拖放至正确的顺序和缩进位置，已被证明有助于搭建从零开始学习编写代码的脚手架。但其他问题类型是否具备类似能力尚不明确。本研究探讨学习者对新型编程环境Codespec的感知，该环境通过提供多种参与方式，旨在使计算机编程更具可及性和公平性。研究对九名程序员进行回顾性有声思维访谈，他们可在解决代码编写问题时自主选择使用"渐消式帕森斯问题"或"伪代码帕森斯问题"作为可选脚手架。结果显示，提供这两种问题作为可选脚手架能够支持理解监控、策略形成和先验知识精炼。学习者有选择地使用渐消式帕森斯问题处理语法/结构问题，而使用伪代码帕森斯问题进行高层推理。研究同时注意到时间成本（拖放代码块所需时间）以及当解决方案与学习者心智模型偏离时产生的困惑。渐消式帕森斯问题还被认为是一种值得迎接的挑战。本研究通过拓展支持帕森斯问题的问题空间功能，并提供使用其他问题类型作为脚手架技术的实证证据，为计算教育和人机交互领域作出贡献。