TEACHING BINARY SEARCH TO SOMEONE WHO HAVE NO TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE
Inspired from Jessica Lim .
Recently , I took a seminar regarding binary search algorithm to my friends as a seminar. I was very surprised that I saw an article which I encountered recently .I am now sharing my thoughts as a visualization of programming from a different perspective .
Usually people be in a stressed state ,when they are gonna learn a new concept in programming .But you can have a chance to stand upon when you prove your students that is not so tough .Let us find out ,what may be the strategies.
#TIP - 1: Communicate The Problem As It Has Nothing To Do With Programming
Teaching basic algorithms can be one of the most challenging parts of introducing someone to Computer Science. Between the hypothetical problems and abstract thinking, it can feel overwhelming.
But it doesn't have to be.
The real fact is that , we have to make the students believe that this algorithm has some real - life application .Yes ,it has .Then ,how to prove them .Just illustrate every variable in terms of a name ,for an instance ,give some fancy names like pointing variables and a finder variable and also like finding a random guy from a school assembly where everyone stands as per a proper height order .
This can drastically increase the understanding capability of people who are not technically sound enough.
#TIP - 2 : Take Advantage of Common Knowledge and Use Puzzles
“Imagine a list of strictly increasing integer values…” and blah blah blah blah blah. Information overload. Ya same. Here is my advice: Don’t explain. Let common sense do the work for you.
Take some puzzle .I have given my friends a set of odd numbers from 1 to 20 .I just asked them to search for 5 in this by looking with their own eyes .They found it very easily .LOL. But ,I again asked for the presence of 5 in that list .
Then ,I stepped on to the problem ,so that whatever I tell is an extension of finding the presence of number 5.
So ,this made them to be more interactive and able to understand a good algorithm.
#TIP - 3 : Avoid Over - Technical Jargon
Remember, you’re trying to teach someone a concept, not show off your expertise or teach them technical terms.
Rule of thumb, if you’re using jargon, it’s too technical.
Make your friends believe that is nothing too technical .Illustrate the problem like a story by a character is jumping here and there inorder to get to the destination .
This enables the proper interaction between you and your fellow-mates which doesn't lead to a one-way traffic.
#TIP - 4 : Put Yourself In The Shoes
BE PATIENT
Since this is new to your fellow - mates ,they may feel weird of your approach of what he is telling . Sometimes ,they get sleepy too .But you have to take the responsibility of effectively delivering the content and make this method to stay in their memory to stay for a longer time .
For Once ,Don't Think Like A Programmer
You'll be shocked by how many people can solve an algorithm when they think it has nothing to do with programming.
Have fun. And you never know, maybe you’ll end up showing someone that coding isn’t as daunting.
Thank you
