Social-Learning-Theory report in methods of teaching

Social learning theory by albert bandura

1. Social Learning Theory Albert Bandura

2. What is Social Learning Theory The social learning theory proposed by Albert Bandura has become perhaps the most influential learning and development . Though rooted in many of the basic concepts of traditional learning theory, Bandura believed that Direct reinforcement could not account for all types of learning . His theory added a social element, arguing that people can learn new information and behaviors by watching other people. This is known as observational learning (or modeling), this type of learning can be used to explain a wide variety of behaviors.

3. Basic Social Learning Concepts People can learn through observation Internal mental states are essential part of this process. Just because something has been learned, it does not mean that it will result in a change in behavior.

4. People can learn through observation/Observational learning In his famous bobo doll experiment, Bandura demonstrated that children learn and imitate behaviors they have observed in other people

5. 3 basic models of observational learning of Bandura A live model, which involves an actual individual demonstrating or acting out a behavior

6. 3 basic models of observational learning A verbal instructional model,which involves descriptions and explanations of behavior.

7. 3 basic models of observational learning A symbolic model,which involves real or fictional characters displaying behaviors in books, films, television programs, or online media

8. Internal mental states are essential part of this process. Intrinsic reinforcement bandura noted that external, environmental reinforcement was not the only factor to influence learning and behavior . He described intrinsic reinforcement as a form of internal reward.

9. 3. Learning does not necessarily lead to a change in behavior. While behaviorist believed that learning led to a permanent change in behavior, observational learning demonstrates that people can learn new information without demonstrating new behaviors.

10. Influences on observational learning Similarity : We are more likely to model our behaviors after individuals who are similar to us. This is because we are more likely to identify with these individuals, making their behaviors seem more relevant and attainable. This can include similarity in terms of age, gender, ethnicity, or even shared interests and values. Identification with the Model : Identification occurs with another person (the model) and involves taking on (or adopting) observed behaviors, values, beliefs, and attitudes of the person you identify with. The motivation to identify with a particular model is that they have a quality that the individual would like to possess. The more an individual identifies with the model (for instance, because they are similar or aspire to be like the model), the more likely they are to imitate their behavior. Identification is different from imitation as it may involve several behaviors being adopted, whereas imitation usually involves copying a single behavior.

11. Influences on observational learning Rewarded Behaviors : Individuals who see that a model is rewarded for their behaviors are likelier to imitate them, while behavior resulting in negative outcomes is less likely to be copied. This is known as vicarious reinforcement. For instance, if a student sees that another student gets praised by the teacher for asking questions, they are likelier to ask questions themselves. Status : We are likelier to imitate individuals who hold high-status positions, such as leaders, celebrities, or successful people in our field of interest. High-status individuals are often admired and seen as role models, so their behaviors are likelier to be seen as desirable and worth imitating. Expertise/Knowledge : People are also more likely to imitate individuals who are experts or knowledgeable in a certain area. This is because these individuals’ behaviors are seen as effective and efficient ways of achieving goals in that area. Reinforcement and punishment : The people around the child will respond to the behavior it imitates with either reinforcement or punishment.  If a child imitates a model’s behavior and the consequences are rewarding, the child will likely continue performing the behavior. If a parent sees a little girl consoling her teddy bear and says, “what a kind girl you are,” this is rewarding for the child and makes it more likely that she will repeat the behavior.  Her behavior has been  positively reinforced  (i.e., strengthened). Reinforcement can be external or internal and can be positive or negative.  If a child wants approval from parents or peers, verbal approval is an external reinforcement, but feeling happy about being approved of is an internal reinforcement.  A child will behave in a way that it believes will earn approval because it desires approval.

12. Observational learning is a major component of Bandura's social learning theory. He also emphasized that four conditions were necessary in any form of observing and modeling behavior: attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation.

13. 1.Attention In order to learn, you need to be pay attention. Anything that destracts your attention is going to have a negative effect on observational learning . If the model is interesting or there is a novel aspect to the situation you are far more likely to dedicate your full attention to learning .

14. 2. Retention The ability to store information is also an important part of learning process. Retention can be affected by a number of factors, but the ability to pull up information later and act on it is vital to observational learning

15. 3.Reproduction Once you have paid attention to the model and retained the information, it is time to actually perform the behavior you observed Further practice of the learned behavior leads to improvement and skills advancement

16. 4. Motivation Finally in order for observational learning to be successful,you have to be motivated to imitate the behavior that has been modeled Reinforcement and punishment play an important role in motivation. While experiencing these motivators can be gighly effective , so can observing other experience some type or reinforcement or punishment