Learning objective
Data structures: Be familiar with the concept of data structures. It may be helpful to set the concept of a data structure in various contexts that students may already be familiar with. It may also be helpful to suggest/demonstrate how data structures could be used in a practical setting.
Read the explanation, check the common trap, then practise with flashcards and questions.
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Topic
Data structures and abstract data types
Subtopic
Data structures
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Quick explanation
Data structures: Be familiar with the concept of data structures. It may be helpful to set the concept of a data structure in various contexts that students may already be familiar with. It may also be helpful to suggest/demonstrate how data structures could be used in a practical setting
- This point belongs to Data structures and abstract data types, especially Data structures.
- You need to be able to data structures: Be familiar with the concept of data structures. It may be helpful to set the concept of a data structure in various contexts that students may already be familiar with. It may also be helpful to suggest/demonstrate how data structures could be used in a practical setting.
- Use the linked flashcards and practice questions to check recall, then practise applying the idea in an exam-style answer.
Why it matters
This objective helps connect Data structures to exam-style questions, flashcards, and revision notes for Data structures and abstract data types.
Quick student answer
Which statement best describes a data structure?
Direct answer
A method of organising data so that it can be stored and used
Key terms
- Data structure: A method of organising data so that it can be stored and used by a program.
- Practical context: The real or intended situation in which data is collected, organised and used.
Common trap
Describing a data structure as a programming language: Explain that a data structure is an organisation of data used within a program; a programming language is used to write the program.
Related questions
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Flashcard prompts
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Related learning objectives
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Single- and multi-dimensional arrays (or equivalent)
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Abstract data types/data structures