Not many parents will think the word “algorithm” is relevant to their kids’ learning. Regardless, you’ll be surprised by the usefulness of algorithms outside building websites. It is an effective way to develop their problem-solving skills and logical thinking.
Kids will eventually encounter problems in their lives that they have to solve themselves. Prepare them for that day with algorithms. Here’s how it can help build their problem-solving through this wonderful process.
What Are Algorithms?
An algorithm is a step-by-step method to solve problems, where every step in the process leads you to the next. It’s usually used in computers, engineering, and programming, as it creates a linear path towards a simplified solution.
Algorithms are used everywhere, but most people learn them from math and other STEM courses. For adults, algorithms are fantastic for revamping and customising software development strategies. If your kids are in grade school, they’ve already studied simple ones such as addition and subtraction.
It can be helpful for kids to learn the concept of an algorithm because they can see it as a process that can be repeated to solve similar problems. Besides building problem-solving skills, algorithms can also help with logical thinking and reasoning. After all, coming up with a solution to a problem requires logical thinking and reasoning.
Why Learn Algorithms
There are so many benefits to learning and using algorithms for problem-solving, as it allows kids to become more independent and self-reliant. Known as computational thinking, studies underscore its value to our technological society.
As children grow older, they will have to be more responsible for their own actions. Many of them are very dependent on their parents, and they rely on them to come up with solutions to their problems. With the use of a simple algorithmic approach, kids can slowly become more self-sufficient and independent as they develop their own logic.
Critical thinking is another tremendous skill that can be developed by learning how to use and solve problems with coding resources for kids. Critical-thinking skills are essential for success in the future. Solving problems with a particular set of steps requires thinking beyond the obvious.
1. How Algorithms Develop Skills
When solving a problem with instructions, kids have to think carefully and critically. They have to analyse each step and question why it works. Through analysis, they’ll be able to come up with their own solutions.
A child’s mind is wonderfully complex, and through solving problems, they train their brain to be even more helpful. Through developing the ability to analyse, they’ll be able to develop their cognitive and analytical skills.
2. How To Teach Kids Algorithms
Learning to use and problem-solve with algorithmic thinking is an excellent tool for teaching your child essential life skills. For adults, many learn algorithms for keeping up with web dev trends. For kids, knowing it can help them understand the world even better.
Teaching algorithmic thinking is a matter of build-up rather than talent. Once you start, it may become a habit for them. You can encourage your kids by challenging them to create more complicated equations and asking more of them.
There are also several strategies you can employ to help encourage algorithmic thinking. These should be simple enough to drill them into learning the skill.
3. Problem Decomposition
Problem decomposition is the foundation of any problem-solving strategy. When given a specific task, a child has to break down the problem into parts. For younger kids, there are simpler challenges that they can tackle, such as counting, patterning, and sorting.
To perform problem decomposition, you want to provide a scenario and allow your kids to break it apart into pieces. Let them analyze the right series of events, break down the larger task, and cooperate to build representations of them.
4. Stepback Visualisation
Step-back visualisation is another way to encourage strategic and tactical planning. It is that if you just step back and look at the big picture, you’ll find it easier to identify patterns and errors. Utilising that tip, you can better understand how to solve the problem.
5. Pattern Recognition
To solve a problem, you have first to identify the pattern. It may look deceptively easy, but pattern recognition can be quite tricky. For older age groups, it can be challenging, but they need to recognise it.
Pattern recognition is an excellent technique for recognising trends, but it also helps to identify anomalies. As humans, we instinctively do this, but it helps to formalise it. You can give them specific scenarios and encourage them to find the pattern to motivate them.
To teach pattern recognition, a straightforward way is to help them go outside and observe the environment. Look at the trees, plants, vines, and even shrubs. Talk about their similarities, their differences, and look deeper into the patterns and styles.
Tools To Teach Algorithms
There are apps available to teach your children how to use and experiment with different sets of rules for problem-solving. These apps are a great starting point for them, but they may not be able to do everything on their own.
Your job is to find the right tools that match your learner’s needs. Some learners may need visual tools, while others need more traditional reading materials. Once you’ve found the right tool, you can focus on the content.
For example, the most simple tools are Rubik’s Cubes, Sudoku, and even sliding puzzles. These games encourage analysing the system and building your own algorithms to succeed. You can also teach them how to code through online classes, which is an entirely new process that they can use for their future career.
It’s essential to be patient with the learning process. It can be daunting to see your little one struggling with something you’ve taught them, but that’s part of being a parent or guardian. The key is to be supportive and help them through it.
The Bottom Line
If you want to help your kid develop their problem-solving skills, it’s time to introduce them to the wonderful world of algorithms. There are other ways to do so, but teaching algorithms with numbers, puzzles, and even coding will help them grow.
Parents need to understand the importance of technology and teach it early. You can start by giving them access to a computer so they can learn how to solve their problems through tech. If they’re not ready yet, you can still provide some guidance. With time, most young children will learn how to solve basic problems and will be prepared for more advanced tasks.
