The difficulties students experience in generating diagrams for novel problems

Although "draw a diagram" is advocated as a useful problem-solving strategy, generating an appropriate diagram is problematic for many students. This case study explored primary-aged students’ difficulties in generating diagrams for novel problems. Three categories of difficulties were identified: (1) non-use of diagrams; (2) generic difficulties with diagrams and (3) idiosyncratic difficulties that were related to specific diagrams. The results suggest that there is a need for instruction in diagram use to empower students and address their difficulties. Specific attention needs to be given to: (1) the diagram-picture distinction; (2) the ambiguity of diagrams; and (3) the dynamic feature of diagrams