| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: |
Date: 25/02/2026 |
| Subject: Computer Science |
| Lesson Topic: Show understanding of the methods of file organisation and select an appropriate method of file organisation and file access for a given problem |
Learning Objective/s:
- Describe the main file organisation methods (sequential, indexed, direct, hashed, hybrid) and their characteristics.
- Compare the advantages and disadvantages of each method for different query types.
- Apply a decision‑making checklist to select an appropriate file organisation and access method for a given problem scenario.
- Design an indexed‑sequential file structure for variable‑length records and explain how primary and secondary indexes support point and range queries.
- Evaluate the impact of record size, update frequency and storage constraints on the choice of organisation.
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Materials Needed:
- Projector or interactive whiteboard
- Slides summarising file organisation methods
- Sample data set (e.g., student records) in CSV or printed form
- Worksheet with decision checklist and problem scenario
- Laptop with IDE or text editor for sketching file structures
- Whiteboard markers
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Introduction:
Begin with a quick poll: “When you think of a library catalogue, how do you think the books are stored?” Connect this to prior learning on data structures and explain that today they will explore how files are organised on disk. By the end of the lesson they will be able to choose and justify the most efficient file organisation and access method for a given problem.
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Lesson Structure:
- Do‑now (5’) – Students answer the poll question on sticky notes and discuss briefly.
- Direct instruction (10’) – Teacher presents an overview of the five file organisation methods with real‑world examples.
- Guided analysis (15’) – Whole class works through the decision checklist using the university student‑record scenario to identify dominant operations.
- Collaborative design (15’) – In pairs, students sketch an indexed‑sequential file layout, create primary and secondary index entries, and justify their choices.
- Check for understanding (10’) – Mini‑quiz via Kahoot or an exit ticket summarising advantages/disadvantages and appropriate use cases.
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Conclusion:
Recap the key criteria that drive the selection of a file organisation and how indexed‑sequential structures meet mixed query needs. Students complete an exit ticket stating which method they would choose for a new scenario and why. Assign homework to research a real‑world system (e.g., banking or library) and describe its file organisation strategy.
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