The Concept of “algorithm Efficiency” in the High School Cs Curriculum

1 Judith Gal-Ezer, Open University of Israel, 16 Klausner Street, Tel Aviv, Israel 61392, [email protected] 2 Ela Zur, Open University of Israel, 16 Klausner Street, Tel Aviv, Israel 61392, [email protected] Abstract  Algorithms and the efficiency of algorithms are basic concepts to every computer science (CS) curriculum. These concepts are at the core of a new CS curriculum being implemented in Israeli high schools. Initial observations of the implementation of the program and examination of students’ achievements confirmed our assumption that efficiency is a difficult concept to conceive. The research questions were: To what extent do 10th and 11th grade students succeed in internalizing efficiency and to what extent are they able to analyze an algorithmic problem and design an efficient algorithm? Is there a difference in the understanding of the material between students who take mathematics on different levels? The conclusions were that most 10th grade students are unable to internalize the concept of algorithm efficiency whereas in the 11th grade, more students are able to internalize the concept. A significant difference is observed between students taking 5point mathematics and those taking 4-point mathematics.