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Computing

Say It Clearly: Exploring Ambiguous Instructions

Overview

Students explore how vague instructions can be interpreted in different ways, leading to unexpected outcomes.

Learning Objective
Students understand that unclear or ambiguous instructions lead to errors and confusion.

Resources needed

  • Paper
  • Pencils

Lesson stages

0 / 10 done
  1. 1 Introduce ambiguity as unclear meaning.
  2. 2 Give an unclear instruction example.
  3. 3 Students interpret it differently.
  4. 4 Discuss differences.
  5. 5 Students write ambiguous instructions.
  6. 6 Swap with a partner.
  7. 7 Follow instructions exactly.
  8. 8 Compare results.
  9. 9 Rewrite instructions clearly.
  10. 10 Discuss: what made them clearer?

Tap a step to mark it as done.

Variations

  • Use drawing instructions.
  • Act out instructions.
  • Compare multiple interpretations.
More information

Teach: clear, unclear, meaning, instruction, explain. Use frames: 'This could mean…'.

Use verbal instructions only.

Can students identify ambiguity? Can they improve clarity?

Fully unplugged.

Students may think their meaning is obvious to others.

Clear communication is essential in programming and algorithms.

Activity details
Primary Medium 25 minutes no prep Pairs Indoor & Outdoor
Topics
Algorithms Clarity Ambiguity Communication