The problem is that algorithms were discovered by mathematicians/computer scientists doing proofs for 40 hrs / week. It isn't something that can be reasoned abo

The problem is that algorithms were discovered by mathematicians/computer scientists doing proofs for 40 hrs / week. It isn't something that can be reasoned about. It must be learned and memorized. This forces people to study that which is already embedded in the tools they use to perform their job. If you ask people to whiteboard out a system at a high level that accomplishes some task, then that can be reasoned about and better tests their understanding.