Procedural thinking

Procedural thinking

Procedural thinking is a disciplined method of thinking in sequence, in order and logically. Procedural thinking can be reflected in a flow chart. Some examples below may help you better understand procedural thinking:

1. Following a recipe requires procedural thinking because you must follow the steps in order
2. Putting together Ikea furniture requires procedural thinking because you usually follow the steps in order
3. Procedural thinking is used when performing CPR to save someone's life - you follow a series of steps (call for help, check breathing, check airway, check circulation, decide if you perform CPR)
4. When you print something on a school printer, you follow a series of sequential steps (choose what to print, click print, choose a printer, go to the printer, and then scan your barcode).
5. If a lamp is broken, you might follow these steps in the flowchart below:

Standards

• Identify the procedure appropriate to solving a problem.
• Evaluate whether the order in which activities are undertaken will result in the required outcome.
• Explain the role of sub-procedures in solving a problem.

Provide an answer from a number of possibilities. Recognize and state briefly a distinguishing fact or feature.

Assess the implications and limitations; make judgments about the ideas, works, solutions or methods in relation to selected criteria.

Give a detailed account including reasons or causes.