Algorithm and Data Structure Education to Improve Computational Thinking Skills Among MAS StudentsFarhan Syarif Hidayah

Abstract

Students’ limited knowledge of algorithms and data structures is one of the obstacles to developing computational thinking skills as the foundation for learning programming. This community service activity aims to improve the knowledge and computational thinking skills of students at MAS Farhan Syarif Hidayah through education on algorithms and data structures. The implementation methods included presenting material, interactive discussions, demonstrations, exercises in designing simple algorithms, and evaluation using pre-test and post-test instruments. The activity was attended by 35 students in grades 11 and 12. The evaluation data were analyzed using comparative descriptive analysis by comparing the average scores and achievement percentages of participants before and after the activity. The results showed that the participants’ average score increased from 58.4 on the pre-test to 84.6 on the post-test, while the percentage of students achieving the “good” category rose from 20.0% to 88.6%. In addition, observations during the activity revealed an increase in student participation, logical thinking skills, and interest in computer science learning. Thus, education on algorithms and data structures is effective in improving students’ knowledge and computational thinking skills and has the potential to serve as a strategy for strengthening computational literacy at the Madrasah Aliyah level.