Algorithmic Thinking: A Critical Skill for Today’s Students

For many people, “algorithmic thinking” conjures visions of a Good Will Hunting whiteboard with extensive equations and symbols long forgotten in our educational memory. For others familiar with coding curriculum, it’s an important step in the computer programming process. However, algorithmic thinking is so much more than that.

From empowering critical thinkers to aligning problem-solving with efficiency and success, algorithmic thinking is a crucial skill for today’s students to learn.

What is Algorithmic Thinking?

Algorithmic thinking is a problem-solving approach that involves breaking down a problem into a series of clear, logical steps or procedures that can be followed to achieve a solution. It requires understanding the problem, designing a step-by-step plan (algorithm) to solve it, and then implementing and testing that plan.

This type of thinking is fundamental in computer science and programming, as it helps in creating efficient and effective algorithms that can be executed by computers to perform tasks. Algorithmic thinking also emphasizes precision, efficiency, and the ability to handle complex problems by simplifying them into manageable components.

Why is it Important to Teach Algorithmic Thinking to Students?

Algorithmic thinking is important for students because it teaches high-value critical thinking, problem solving and career-ready skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Algorithmic is a problem-solving process that, instead of solving for a specific solution, solves for a replicable process to produce a solution not only for a specific problem but for related problems as well. The product, then, isn’t the solution itself, but the process for getting there.

In coding, this is the step where the computer program is conceptualized and laid out. However, in non-computing scenarios, this process of problem solving can play a critical role in long-term success.

Why are Algorithmic Thinking Skills Important for Students?

Algorithmic thinking skills are essential for students as they provide a structured approach to problem-solving, enabling them to break down complex tasks into manageable steps. This skill is foundational in computer science but also applies broadly to many fields, encouraging logical reasoning, critical thinking, and creativity. By mastering algorithmic thinking, students can better understand how to design and analyze processes, improving their ability to tackle challenges in both academic and real-world contexts.

1. Strengthens Critical Thinking

One of the main reasons algorithmic thinking is important for students is because it enhances a student’s ability to think critically. It broadens their mind to additional capabilities of a particular solution and helps them see a problem more holistically instead of “mark the right answer on a test” black or white. It also allows them to be more creative with the solution. Instead of reproducing something a teacher has written on the board, the student is drawing from the information they have learned in a variety of environments and can apply that to the development of a unique solution.

2. Develops High-Value Problem Solving Skills

Algorithmic thinking is a critical problem-solving skill for students to learn. It strengthens the ability of the student to create a process for finding a solution as opposed to focusing on the answer itself. In other words, someone a fish and they’ll eat for a day; teach them how to fish and you feed them for a lifetime.

Not only that, but an algorithmic solution is meant to be applied in other scenarios as well. If a student can apply some or all of a previous algorithm to an existing problem, they are able to solve the problem faster, more efficiently, and with more success than if they came up with a solution from scratch every time.

3. Creates the Ability to Develop High-Success Routines

Efficiency creates more opportunities for innovation, increased growth and success. Teaching students to solve problems algorithmically gives them the tools to innovate and grow faster in a variety of environments. For example, a student may create an algorithm for studying that includes rewriting notes in their own words, drawing diagrams or visual aids if appropriate, studying notecards with key facts and questions, and teaching a parent or friend about the subject in detail. Instead of coming up with a new study method every time an exam approaches, the student can use this routine (or an adaptation of this routine) to maximize success. This saves time, reduces trial and error, and creates opportunities for additional learning and development.

In the professional workplace, algorithms make us more efficient. A routine and organizational system to process and reshelve “go-backs” in a retail store means the task can be completed faster and with less effort than processing on an item-by-item basis, opening time for other projects. An optimized landing page formula can be used by a web developer to increase success while decreasing time to production to maximize revenue per hour.

4. Algorithmic Thinking can be Used in Lifelong Application

Finally, algorithmic learning is a skill students can use throughout their lives and in almost any environment. For instance, a parent with algorithmic thinking skills may have a new baby and quickly create internal algorithms to triage cries, including identifying the cry and common physical attributes, then apply the commonly successful routine for soothing the child under that specific circumstance. Couples may discover communication patterns that are successful—or unsuccessful—in their relationship and use the algorithmic information to improve communication during times of conflict.

Final Thoughts

Algorithmic thinking extends far beyond the computer to high-impact problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Learn more about algorithmic thinking in the articles below.

This article was originally posted in April 2023 and was reviewed and updated in August 2024.

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