Richard Skemp

Richard Skemp was an educational psychologist known for his work on how students understand mathematics. He distinguished between two types of understanding: “instrumental,” where learners memorize procedures without grasping meaning, and “relational,” where they understand concepts deeply and can apply them flexibly. Skemp emphasized that fostering relational understanding helps students develop a more meaningful and lasting grasp of mathematics, leading to better problem-solving skills. His research has influenced teaching approaches by encouraging educators to focus on helping students connect ideas and develop deeper comprehension rather than just memorizing formulas.