Asking Yes / No Questions

 Today in Computing we used Yes/No questions to separate information - 

We were essentially playing 'Guess Who' -

And here is why...

Playing Guess Who can be a fun and effective way to develop computing skills, particularly in the area of effective questioning, for Key Stage 1 (KS1) pupils. 

Here's how - 

Logical Reasoning: Guess Who requires players to make logical deductions based on the information they receive. This helps in developing basic logical reasoning skills, a fundamental aspect of computational thinking.

Yes/No Questions: The game inherently involves asking yes/no questions to narrow down the possibilities and identify the hidden character. This aligns with the concept of algorithmic thinking, where a sequence of steps (questions in this case) leads to a solution.

Problem-Solving: Players need to think strategically about the questions they ask to eliminate characters efficiently. This involves problem-solving skills, another crucial component of computational thinking.

Pattern Recognition: Through the process of asking questions and receiving answers, children can start recognising patterns and using them to make more informed guesses. This skill is transferrable to recognising patterns in code and problem-solving.

Communication Skills: Verbal communication is essential in Guess Who. Players need to articulate their questions clearly and understand the responses. This helps in developing effective communication skills, which are important in programming and coding where clear instructions are crucial.

Data Management: The game involves managing a set of data (characters) and narrowing down the options based on received information. This aligns with the concept of data management in computing.

Algorithm Development: Players unconsciously develop a simple algorithm for solving the game - asking questions based on previous responses to eliminate possibilities. This is a basic form of algorithm development.

Critical Thinking: As players progress, they might need to think critically about the information they have gathered and make strategic decisions about which questions to ask next. This critical thinking skill is applicable in many aspects of computing.

Incorporating games like Guess Who into our #InspiredToLearn Computing lessons not only makes the learning process enjoyable but also helps children develop essential skills that are foundational for more complex computational thinking in the future.