It seems like such a little story that it would probably have an origin. It doesn't seem like the ceramics class, the people who created the story mentioned, ever existed. When asked, they said it was actually a photography class (from the professor Jerry Uelsman). I'd also argue that while that may hold true for learning skills (if it does) it doesn't necessarily hold true for performing skills. Also I'd say the main reason it could work, is that it got them to actually do something.