What action should an instructor take if a learner performs a task but does not fully grasp its principles?

When a learner performs a task but does not fully grasp its underlying principles, requiring the application of those principles to other tasks is a highly effective instructional strategy. This approach reinforces understanding by creating a context where the learner must think critically about how the principles connect across various scenarios. It challenges them to transfer their knowledge, which often leads to deeper comprehension and retention of the concepts.

By applying the same principles in different tasks, the learner can see the consistency of the concepts at play, facilitating better integration into their overall skill set. This method also encourages learners to articulate their understanding and identify areas where they may still have questions or misunderstandings, ultimately supporting a more robust learning process.

In contrast, merely encouraging practice without addressing conceptual understanding may lead to repetitive actions without a true grasp of why those actions are performed, which can hinder long-term learning. Teaching unrelated tasks could dilute focus on the core principles needing reinforcement, and providing higher-level tasks without foundational understanding may overwhelm the learner or lead to further confusion.