Algorithms and Computational Thinking

Algorithms and Computational Thinking

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you should be able to understand the concept of algorithms and how they are used to solve problems; understand the process of decomposition in breaking down complex problems; create a system flow chart to represent the steps of an algorithm; and write pseudocode for an algorithm.

What do you already know about algorithms and computational thinking?

Introduction to Algorithms

Algorithms are sequences of instructions used to solve problems.

Decomposition of Problems

Decomposition is the process of breaking down complex problems into smaller, easier-to-solve parts.

System Flow Chart

A system flow chart is a diagram that shows the breakdown of an algorithm into steps.

Pseudocode

Pseudocode is an algorithm written in a programming-style construct, but not following a specific programming language.

Elements of Computational Thinking

Computational thinking involves decomposition, abstraction, pattern recognition, and algorithmic thinking.

Algorithm

A sequence of instructions used to solve a problem

Decomposition

The process of breaking down complex problems into smaller, easier-to-solve parts

System Flow Chart

A diagram that shows the breakdown of an algorithm into steps

Pseudocode

An algorithm written in a programming-style construct, but not following a specific programming language

Computational Thinking

The process of examining, understanding, formulating, and solving problems using decomposition, abstraction, pattern recognition, and algorithmic thinking

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.