d error, (2) conditioned response, and (3) insight (Stanton and Buskirk, 1989, pp. 145 146). With 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 (Skinner, 1953, p. 64). The role of the teacher in this approach is to give the person some direction by leading her or him towards certain techniques which may assist in problem solution. Through this type of learning process, individuals must learn to employ the trial and error approach in on the job situations.
The theory underlying the conditioned response approach is that of learning through habit formation (Skinner, 1953, pp. 50 58). Conditioned response learning is frequently used in sales training courses; however, it has fewer applications in training programs designed for supervisory personnel. One major difficulty with the conditioned response approach is that it is virtually impossible to pre create a condition and a response for all 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, pp. 97 104). 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 ...