Introduction
Pupils should be taught to:
use logical reasoning to evaluate the performance trade-offs of using alternative algorithms to solve the same problem.
Resources for self study
A simple way to explain the Big O notation for Algorithm efficiency. Via the CAS community, by Ajit jaokar. Too high level for KS3 but useful for self study.
YOUTUBE RESOURCE: Simple Explanation of Big O Notation. Video using screen-recording to visualise the maths and processes involved in algorithm performance analysis.
Resources for lectures or group study
TEACHING RESOURCE: Teaching Graph Algorithms to children of all ages. An academic 6page PDF research paper on the teaching of algorithms to children. Useful read for teachers who might be unsure of how to approach algorithms in class.
YOUTUBE RESOURCE: Big O, Big Omega and Big Theta Notation. 7min video on the measurement of algorithm performance.
TEACHING RESOURCE: Complexity; It's Simple! Lesson plan and student worksheets for introducing algorithms and complexity. Aimed at KS4 age with group work etc, but could be used with higher-end KS3.
Resources for use with pupils
Differentiated resources for teaching sorting algorithms (bubble sort, insertion sort and quicksort) including performance comparison. Via the CAS community, by Mark Ridgway and Mark Tranter.
TEACHING RESOURCE: Measuring Performance of Algorithms. Word document worksheet explaining algorithms and the analysis of their performance in-depth.
YOUTUBE RESOURCE: Big O Notation Explained. Introductory video to the concept of algorithm performance analysis.
TEACHING RESOURCE: Solving Problems with Decision Trees. Introductory lesson with plan and resources, suitable for KS3 class teaching.
Algorithms. Video.