Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Computer Science
Lesson Topic: Show understanding of the characteristics of a number of programming paradigms: Imperative (Procedural)
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the key characteristics of the imperative (procedural) paradigm, including state, sequential execution, control structures, procedures and modularity.
  • Explain how top‑down design and procedures support modular program construction.
  • Compare the procedural paradigm with object‑oriented, functional and logical paradigms regarding state handling and control flow.
  • Apply procedural concepts by writing or analysing pseudo‑code that uses procedures, variables and control structures.
  • Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the procedural approach for different problem contexts.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Slides/handout summarising paradigm characteristics
  • Pseudo‑code worksheet with procedural examples
  • IDE or online compiler (e.g., Python, C) for live coding
  • Flowchart templates or software
  • Sticky notes for grouping concepts (optional)
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick brainstorming where students write any programming paradigms they know on sticky notes. Use this to link prior knowledge to today’s focus on the imperative (procedural) style. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to identify its key features, compare it with other paradigms, and produce a simple procedural program. Success will be demonstrated through a flowchart and a short exit‑ticket quiz.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – Students list known paradigms and give one example of each; share briefly.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Present the core characteristics of the imperative (procedural) paradigm using slides and a flowchart diagram.
  3. Guided practice (12’) – Walk through the provided pseudo‑code, highlighting procedures, variables, and control structures; ask targeted questions.
  4. Pair activity (15’) – Students complete a worksheet: write a simple procedural program (read, sort, display data) and draw its flowchart.
  5. Comparison discussion (8’) – In small groups, compare procedural characteristics with OO, functional and logical paradigms using the supplied table; list pros and cons.
  6. Check for understanding (5’) – Quick quiz/exit ticket with three questions on characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.
Conclusion:
Recap the main features of the procedural paradigm and how they support modular, step‑by‑step program design. Collect the exit‑ticket responses to gauge understanding, and address any lingering misconceptions. For homework, ask students to implement the read‑sort‑display program in a language of their choice (e.g., Python or C) and submit a short reflection on the benefits and challenges they encountered.