Social Learning Theory by Albert Bandura

Social Learning Theory

• Proposed by Albert Bandura, emphasizing the power of the model to influence behavior and learning.
• Also known as observational learning theory, highlighting learning through observing others.
• Four key elements: Attention, Retention, Production, and Motivation.

Types of Modeling

• Direct Modeling: imitating the model's behavior.
• Symbolic Modeling: imitating behaviors displayed by characters in books, plays, movies, or television.
• Synthesized Modeling: developing behaviors by combining portions of observed acts.
• Abstract Modeling: inferring a system of rules by observing examples.

Vicarious Learning and Self-Regulated Learning

• Vicarious Learning: learning acquired from observing the consequences of other's behavior.
• Self-Regulated Learning: individuals observe, assess, and judge their own behavior against their own standards, and subsequently reward and punish themselves.

Guidelines for Using Social Learning

• Model behaviors and attitudes you want your students to learn.
• Use peers as models.
• Ensure students see that positive behaviors lead to reinforcement for others.
• Enlist the help of class leaders in modeling behaviors for the entire class.

Robert Gagne's 9 Levels of Learning

• Gagne was a neo-behaviorist who suggested that instruction can be represented as beginning with a phase of expectancy.
• He argued that learning has a hierarchical nature, with 9 levels or events of learning.

The 9 Levels of Learning

• 1. Gain Attention: capture the learners' attention and engage them in the learning process.
• 2. Set out Objectives: learners need to be aware of the specific learning objectives or goals they are expected to achieve.
• 3. Stimulate Prior Learning: activating learners' prior knowledge helps them connect new information to existing mental frameworks.
• 4. Present Content: instructional content is presented in a structured and organized manner.
• 5. Provide Guidance: learners need guidance and support to understand and acquire new knowledge or skills.
• 6. Elicit Performance: learners are given opportunities to practice what they have learned.
• 7. Assess Performance: evaluating learners' performance to identify areas for improvement.
• 8. Enhance Retention: promoting learners' retention of new information and skills.
• 9. Engagement: promoting learners' engagement and motivation throughout the learning process.