i love barkingsheep

Social Learning Theory

Albert Bandura (1977) combines behaviourist reinforcement with cognitive processes for understanding the behaviour of others.

Bandura empasises the importance of observing and modeling – his 2 key elements for learning are: experience and expectations

§         Experience enables us to learn the consequences of our actions

§         Expectations are formed by our experiences

Four processes underlie this type of observational learning:

1.       Attention: focus on the features of behaviour to be modeled

2.       Retention: how well the behaviour is remembered

3.       Reproduction: observed behaviour must be turned into action, practice and feedback

4.       Reinforcement: to motivate learners to reproduce and perform the behaviours

How could you apply Bandura’s Social Learning Theory in an e-Learning context?

This could be done by having assessments, as it allows students to demonstrate what they have learnt. Students are provided back with feedback and are encouraged to communicate with other students. Students also learn by observing others. In a e-Learning environment, this can be done throught synchronous or asynchronous communication.

Read: Social Constructivism

http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Social_Constructivism

Watch/listen to the brief lecture:

http://www.coe.uga.edu/epltt/impaticas/Social-Constructivism-PPT.html

Now – consider the learning theories in the context of  the technologies you have researched in Module 1.

Which theories are suited or more appropriate?

The behaviourist and cognitive theories are more appropriate.