"Something that Happens Each Day" - Students' Explanations of What Algorithms Are

Algorithm is a highly abstract concept that is difficult to define
precisely, but has entered the public discourse. In addition to a
procedural knowledge about algorithms, we also need to ensure
pupils have a viable conceptual knowledge. We have collected short explanations of what an algorithm is from 58 pupils in 6th grade and analysed their answers. While there
is some understanding of algorithms as step-by-step procedures, we also found misconceptions such as a strong emphasis on repetition.