Development of Algorithmic Thinking and Imagination: base of programming skills

This paper is based on rich experience gained in the area of computer science education and it could serve as an inspirational material directed to all educators developing students’ programming skills. The area of software development has undergone a rapid expansion and this trend is so far continuing. Each developer has to learn constantly and master new technology. However, the foundation a developer gains at the beginning of his/her career plays a crucial role. An essential part of studies at faculties preparing students in the area of computer science is the development of student’s ability to think algorithmically. Students must be able to create various algorithms solving given problems starting with easy ones and consecutively increase their algorithmic knowledge and shifts during studies till the level where they deeply understand much more complex algorithms. The aim of this paper is to introduce our approach that has proven to be successful in the optimization of teaching and learning a subject developing algorithmic thinking of beginners. This is followed by a discussion of the benefits of puzzles, solved within subjects, dealing with graph algorithms and enabling development of students’ logical thinking and imagination, i.e. skills needed for deeper understanding more complex algorithms. Key-Words: Computer science education, algorithms, algorithmic thinking, graph theory and algorithm, puzzles