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Helping students to learn to use diagramming as a problem solving tool

This miniworkshop focuses on diagramming as a problem solving tool. Unfortunately, many students enter engineering without valuing the use of diagrams in model-based reasoning. Too often, they see diagramming as something which is superfluous and disconnected from "real problem solving." Students often come to their first engineering course with a well-practiced strategy that uses a rote problem solving approach in which they 1) write down the known and unknown variables they find in the problem statement, 2) search for a formula or equation that uses these variables, and then 3) enter the numbers into the formula and calculate an answer. Our first goal is to share our major research findings and our second goal is to share the learning activities we have developed and tested in our classroom. These activities increase students' motivation to use diagramming as a "tool for thinking" when solving complex problems. Our research shows that students can be taught to improve their diagramming skills and be more successful in both problem solving and conceptual understanding. Participants in this mini-workshop will receive a packet of materials, including full lesson plans for 5 different activities, an example diagram assessment matrix, and copies of mini-lecture slides. This activity-based mini-workshop will include mini-lectures, whole group discussion, paired work, and problem solving which will give participants the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to adapt and implement the lesson plans in their courses. Faculty who attend will be better equipped to incorporate direct instruction in diagramming as a "tool for thinking" and as an "engineering habit of the mind".