Project Grant 2539503

The National Science Foundation Division of Undergraduate Education awarded Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University $750,000 on October 1, 2026, under the STEM Education program (CFDA 47.076) to develop a framework for assessing and improving self-regulated learning skills in undergraduate computer science through personalized, automated feedback.

The project will identify critical self-regulated learning skills that directly impact student academic performance in computing courses, then design fine-grained rubrics connecting those skills to observable student actions. The team will leverage event trace data from existing educational software—including learning management systems, automated grading tools, and integrated development environments—to provide objective, real-time assessment of student self-regulated learning behaviors such as time management, project organization, and effective help-seeking. Automated feedback will support iterative practice and skill development, addressing a fundamental gap in computer science education where heavy reliance on project work makes self-regulated learning proficiency particularly vital to student success.

The award runs through September 30, 2029, with place of performance in Blacksburg, Virginia. Virginia Tech is classified as a Level II Engaged Student Learning project, serving the national interest by integrating self-regulated learning assessment and improvement directly into computer science instruction at scale.