This document discusses computational thinking skills for programming. It describes pattern recognition as identifying common elements and differences within and between problems to describe patterns. Pattern generalization and abstraction are explained as simplifying complex processes by ignoring details to see the overall patterns. Representing parts of a problem involves identifying the variables, constants, processes, inputs, and outputs needed to solve the problem or build a system and how these pieces fit together.

1. Unit 4: Programming
Computational thinking
skills (2)
Unit 4: Programming
Pearson BTEC Nationals in IT

2. Unit 4: Programming
Pattern recognition
 What is it?
 A pattern is a set of
characteristics that help to
describe a ‘thing’.
 Recognition is seeing
recurring attributes within
the same problem and
between different problems.
 What is involved?
 Identifying the common
elements.
 Identifying and
interpreting the
differences.
 Describing patterns that
have been identified.
 Making predictions based
on identified patterns.
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3. Unit 4: Programming
Pattern generalisation and abstraction
 What is it?
 Abstraction is the
simplification of a more
complex process or feature.
 Generalisation is the process
of ignoring the confusing
detail.
 Why use it?
 Complex mechanisms are
ignored, allowing us to see
‘the wood for the trees’.
 Provides ‘thinking distance’
for the programmer.
 Less worry about how
something actually works …
 … helps to identify the
repeating patterns that
actually exist.
 Decide what to include and
what to ignore.
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4. Unit 4: Programming
Representing parts of a problem or system
 What is it?
 Identifying what is needed to
solve a problem or build a
system and how these pieces
fit together.
 Why is this important?
 You are starting to consider
how to solve the problem.
 What does this include?
 Variables – values that
change.
 Constants – values that
remain fixed.
 Key processes.
 Repeated processes.
 Inputs needed.
 Outputs required.
© Pearson Education Ltd 2016. Copying permitted for purchasing institution only.