Assignment 1

I agree with Skemp that relational learning is more effective than instrumental to some extent. However, I see how instrumental understanding can play a part in understanding the big picture. I see it as a piece of a puzzle. When all pieces are in place they give overall picture of the subject in question. I find value in students’ independent realization of the relation between these different elements. So, if they only learn some parts of an area in mathematic their connection and extension of the theory is very important and as well as the thinking process that takes place. Skemp’s example of learning to read a map as a more valuable experience than just figure out how to get from point A to point B is and interesting one. I find learning to get to a specific destination as a small step in getting to know the map of the area and is an example of my puzzle theory above.