Lesson Plan

• Describe the components of file/data structures and their purpose in system design.
• Explain how to define appropriate input and output formats and the associated validation checks.
• Apply validation routines to ensure data integrity in a sample student‑record system.
• Design a fixed‑length record layout and calculate its total length.
• Evaluate different output formats for various stakeholder needs.

• Projector and screen
• Whiteboard and markers
• Student worksheets with sample data tables
• Computers with an IDE (e.g., VS Code) installed
• Sample CSV files for import exercises
• Printed handout of validation checklist
• Internet access for online quiz

Begin with a quick question: “What could go wrong if a school’s exam results file is poorly designed?” Students recall previous lessons on data types and relate to real‑world errors. Explain that today they will master designing robust file structures, choosing input/output formats, and building validation routines, and they will know how to check their success by producing correct reports.

1. Do‑now (5') – List all data items needed for a student record and identify their data types.
2. Mini‑lecture (10') – Overview of file/data structures, field lengths, and fixed vs. variable records.
3. Guided design activity (15') – In pairs, create a fixed‑length record layout using the worksheet and calculate the total record length.
4. Input format demonstration (10') – Show how a CSV file is imported; discuss delimiting, encoding, and field order.
5. Pair programming (15') – Write simple validation pseudocode for the student record (presence, type, range, length, format).
6. Output format discussion (10') – Review screen, PDF, and JSON outputs; decide which format suits each stakeholder.
7. Case‑study consolidation (10') – Map the mini case‑study steps to the designs created earlier.
8. Check for understanding (5') – Quick Kahoot quiz covering key concepts.

Summarise how well‑designed data structures, clear input/output formats, and thorough validation ensure reliable systems. Students complete an exit ticket describing one validation rule they will always include in future projects. For homework, they are to design a simple inventory file structure and draft corresponding CSV import and validation steps.