Breaking down problems into clear, sequential steps and recognizing patterns to find efficient solutions.
Algorithmic Thinking is the ability to decompose problems into well-defined steps, identify recurring patterns, and design systematic procedures that produce reliable outcomes. It encompasses sequencing, pattern recognition, abstraction, and efficiency evaluation. Not about programming or coding, it is a domain-agnostic skill applicable to planning a trip, organizing a workflow, diagnosing a malfunction, or designing a policy, from following simple instructions to creating reusable methodologies.
Seminal paper defining computational thinking as a universally applicable skill encompassing decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithm design. Provides foundational academic authority for the field.
Classic problem-solving methodology (understand, plan, carry out, look back) providing direct evidence for procedural behavior criteria in checklist design at each level.
Defines algorithmic thinking competency standards by grade band (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12), providing domain-specific evidence for level boundaries from sequential execution (L1-L2) to advanced algorithm design (L5-L7).
Defines computational thinking practices (decomposition, abstraction, algorithms) by grade band, providing concrete behavioral criteria for checklist item design.
