Splurge Diagrams and their use in Mathematics (Week 5 Reflection)

A Splurge diagram is a very useful tool that teachers and students can use to help organize thoughts and ideas about a particular topic. By writing down all of the things that come to mind about a topic, Splurge diagrams inspire new ideas, and help make connections to other topics or concepts. Splurge Diagrams can be very beneficial to teachers because the more these diagrams are drawn, the more teachers can draw connections to other parts of the curriculum and ultimately realize how the curriculum can become more connected. Furthermore, Splurge diagrams can help make it clear what prior knowledge students need before teaching a new lesson, and they can help expand ideas on different teaching strategies.  The book "Adapting and Extending Secondary Mathematics Activities: New Tasks for Old" discusses how the use of Splurge diagrams can have a positive impact on teaching methods and classroom dynamic by offering teachers a structure for considering many other elements that will affect how tasks are designed. Teachers can organize their curriculum expectations, big ideas, learning goals, teaching methods, and a variety of resources through the use of these concept maps, and they can share ideas with their colleagues by collaborating and drawing them together.
              

Students can use Splurge diagrams to their advantage while writing papers. Teachers can teach their students to use these web diagrams to brainstorm and organize their thoughts before diving right into a paper. As a student, I have often used Splurge diagrams before writing an essay to organize my thoughts for the introduction, thesis, body paragraphs, and conclusion. I find it is a great tool to stimulate ideas and to eliminate the struggle of writer’s block. In the book "Adapting and Extending Secondary Mathematics Activities: New Tasks for Old" it is clear that when examining Figure 2.4 A Splurge diagram for Solving Equations, how visible the complexity becomes as the Splurge diagram develops. Although some topics at first may seem rather simple, as you begin to create your splurge diagram and your thoughts start flowing, it can become a very complex structure full of ideas.
                              

Splurge diagrams can also be used in mathematics. The Polya’s Problem Solving process involves Understanding the Problem, Devising a Plan, Carrying out the Plan, and Looking Back. Students can use a splurge diagram to help them understand the problem and devise a Problem Solving plan. Students can organize what information the question provides, brainstorming ways to approach the question, and think of different methods that can be used to solve the problem in their web diagram. This will give students a goal and set them on the right track to solving the problem. Teachers cannot only rely on tools to motivate their students to learn, they must encourage their students and inspire positive attitudes around learning mathematics. A proactive student will be confident to try many strategies, risk making mistakes, have a willingness to persevere when solutions are not immediate, and have the ability to accept frustration that comes from not knowing. Teacher’s need to understand the importance of a positive classroom environment to ensure students are able to develop positive attitudes and feel safe to try or ask anything within your classroom.