Use of randomized algorithms for enhancing learning ability in algorithms course

In the field of Computer Science and Engineering, the Algorithms course is considered very important for not only it forms the basis for several concepts but also, its in-depth understanding can help one solve many new and challenging problems in an efficient manner. Whether a student pursues his career in academia or industry, depth of his understanding in Algorithms is certainly tested during competitive exams directly or indirectly. In this paper, we discuss a case study of using an innovative approach based on randomized algorithms and some statistics in teaching Algorithms to engineering students, with aim to provide students a better individual learning experience. The approach has wider applicability but here it is practiced in relation to sorting algorithms. In this paper, we also discuss the student's feedback that we collected after completion of the course. It was observed that students were very appreciative of this novel approach used, and the majority of students found that it helped them in getting more clarity and deeper understanding of sorting algorithms.