There Are No Algorithms for Teaching Algorithms
Frances R. Curcio, Sydney L. Schwartz · Teaching Children Mathematics · 1998
What comes to mind when we hear the word algorithm? We may think of it as a procedure, an efficient method, or a rule for computation. From our own formal school experiences, we may recall pages of skill drill and practice, or lengthy efforts to accomplish rote memorization. Those of us fortunate enough to have experienced and understood the power of an algorithm may recognize its usefulness as a problem-solving tool. For those of us who have learned algorithms without meaning and understanding, practicing algorithms reinforces the view that the imposition of methods, rules, and procedures will ensure the accuracy and efficiency of computation and symbol manipulation.