Reflection on Skemp's Article.

Response to Richard R Skemp's "Relational Understanding And Instrumental Understanding"

As Instumental Methods provide important steps to solve a mathematical problem where as relational methods provide a deep knowledge of the terms. Both methods have some advantages and dis-advantages.One can really understand the need of earning rewards quickly. which can be done by learninng mathematics instrumentally.Where as we can not ignore the need of learning the terms deeply;which can be done using relational methods only.The Article provides us an opportunity to differenciate strengths of both methods.As Skemp decribed his own experience of exploring the map to find all shortcuts and extentions.I feel a mathematics student should also be able to navigate around mathematics independently. But being a teacher we also have to have a look on the Syllabi.The burdened syllabus has also commented in the article. students can comment, if they are able to score well by doing less; then what is the need to delve deeper into the subject matter, when the end results are same.Also they need quick rewards to earn their degrees.So in my view a balance of both methods can provide a solution of this problem. It depends on the efficiency of a teacher how he/she creates situation of learning math in the classroom.Both methods should be included during teaching mathematics. Providing formula sheet and telling students the steps of solving a math problem is in no way a justice with their creativity.So a combination of both is better.Relational understanding can cover the weeknesses of instrumental understandings and vice versa.