When teaching a new office procedure, which approach is most effective?

• A. Provide the written procedure and have the employee perform the task
• B. Have the learner observe others without guidance
• C. Tell how to do the task and then criticize every error
• D. Pair the learner with an experienced worker until they learn the techniques used by the experienced employee

Answer: (A)

Providing a written procedure and having the employee perform the task gives a clear standard to follow and hands-on practice to apply it. The written steps give a reference they can consult, reducing ambiguity and ensuring consistency across workers. Practice after reading moves knowledge into action, strengthening how to do the task and helping retention through concrete experience.

Observing others without guidance leaves gaps in understanding and no way to apply what’s learned. Simply telling how to do the task and then criticizing every error is demotivating and doesn’t provide constructive feedback or room to practice corrections. Pairing with an experienced worker can be helpful, but without a standard written procedure, the learner may adopt only that person’s method rather than a consistent, official process.