Learning is the process by which an individual is able to change his or her behavior in some constructive manner (Skinner, 1953). The three basic theories of learning are (1) trial and error, (2) conditioned response, and (3) insight.
In the trial and error approach, the individual learns by attempting different solutions to a problem until he or she discovers which one of the alternatives work best. The role of the teacher in this approach is to give the student some direction by leading her or him towards certain techniques which may assist in developing a problem solution.
The theory underlying the conditioned response approach is learning through habit formation (Skinner, 1953). One major difficulty with the conditioned response approach is that it is virtually impossible to pre create a condition and a response for all of the conceivable situations which may be encountered. The insight approach, also known as the perceptual response approach, holds that all learning of whatever variety has as its basic characteristic a progressive differentiation from a more general perceptual field (Maslow, 1966). This approach provides individuals with the abilities to solve problems through the use of perception and imagination once the individuals have been given some concept of what the complete perceptual field of interest involves. Through the application of this approach, a teacher can present problems to individuals, where the imagination of the individuals can be employed in the development of solutions, and where the teacher can discuss decisions of the individuals being taught in order to provide guidance through feedback assessment. This approach to learning has been described as "a period of observation leading to understanding. By observing the problem for a while and thinking about it, the subject is able to solve it" (Poffenberger, 1987, pp. 252 253).
Learning style is an individual behavior. Ski...