What Is The Difference Between Relational And Instrumental Learning?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

While

instrumental understanding is knowing and applying the rule

, relational understanding is the same but also knowing why it works and how it connects to other rules. Using both of these understanding you will arrive at the same correct answer but relational understanding is way more extensive.

What does relational understanding mean?

Relational understanding means

investigating concepts along a continuum, integrating related concepts

, and could be described as ‘owning your maths’!

What is the difference between instrumental and relational mathematics?

Instrumental mathematics centre around rote learning, memory, rules and correct answers. Relational mathematics

focus more on establishing connections, building understanding over time

, applying concepts to other problems, and gradual increases in complexity.

What is teaching for relational understanding?

Richard Skemp draws the distinction between learning and teaching using a relational approach, and that which uses an instrumental approach. Relational understanding refers

to knowing both what to do and why

– an understanding of all of the parts, how they relate, and why they are applied in the manner they are.

What is teaching for instrumental understanding?

“Instrumental understanding” can be thought of as

knowing the rules and procedures without understanding why those rules or procedures work

. … Students who are taught instrumentally come to see mathematics as isolated pieces of knowledge. They are expected to remember procedures for each and every concept/skill.

What is skemp theory?

According to Skemp,

mathematics involves an extensive hierarchy of concepts

– we cannot form any particular concept until we have formed all the subsidiary ones upon which it is depends. Skemp also suggested that emotions play a dominant part in the way in which we learn. … Both are deemed important for mathematics.

What is Zoltan Dienes theory?

A Hungarian-born mathematician and theorist, Zoltan Dienes believed

in using games, songs and dance in learning math to make it more fun for children

. … His theory was that by using manipulative materials, games and stories, children can learn more complicated math at a younger age than had previously been thought.

What are the 7 benefits of relational understanding?

The indicators of relational understanding are (1) the ability to carry out the procedure as a whole; (2) the fluency in performing procedures; (3) the ability to obtain the right results; (4) the ability to show that they are capable of performing procedures; (5) the ability to knowing when to use the procedure; (6) …

What is procedural understanding?

Procedural understanding is

when students hoard steps and algorithms

. They rely on the memorization of these formulas to answer questions, and they rarely make deep connections during instruction. … They have 20+ rote questions for long division on a single page.

Why does relational understanding promote reflective thinking?

Relational understanding

allows people to have a more reflective attitude to learning and allows for more exploration to occur

. From this, I can see that relational understanding is a deeper, more complex understanding of instrumental understanding.

How is Vygotsky’s theory used in the classroom?

This concept is important becauseteachers can use it as a guide to a child’s development. It allows a teacher toknow what a student is able to achieve through the use of a mediator and thusenables the teacher to help the child attain that level by themselves. … Vygotsky

argued thatplay leads to development

.

What are effective teaching strategies?

  • Model as you teach. …
  • Make mistakes. …
  • Work as a team. …
  • Encourage learning from experience. …
  • Let the students teach. …
  • Integrate technology into the classroom. …
  • Try graphic organizers. …
  • Emphasize behavior management.

How can teachers use models incorrectly?


Not providing enough detail

. Few teachers model with the level of explicitness needed to immerse students in the instruction. Teachers tend to get grumpy when modeling routines and directions. …

What is instrumental thinking?

Instrumental rationality is

a pursuit of any means necessary to achieve a specific end

. Have you ever heard the expression ”a means to an end”? Instrumental rationality means doing whatever it takes to achieve a goal so long as it aligns with your ultimate objective.

How do teachers use an inquiry approach?

Inquiry-based learning is an approach to learning that emphasizes the student’s role in the learning process. Rather than the teacher telling students what they need to know,

students are encouraged to explore the material, ask questions, and share ideas

.

What is your understanding of learning strategy?

Learning strategies are operations and actions that

students use in order to optimize the processes of obtaining and storing information and course concepts

. … This way, they are able to choose and effectively employ the appropriate technique to accomplish tasks or meet specific learning goals.

Juan Martinez
Author
Juan Martinez
Juan Martinez is a journalism professor and experienced writer. With a passion for communication and education, Juan has taught students from all over the world. He is an expert in language and writing, and has written for various blogs and magazines.