Social Learning

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What is social learning?

"Social learning takes place when we learn from ovserving the behavior of others and the environemental outcomes of their behaviour."(Bandura 2000 as cited in Sternberg & Williams 2002, p. 253). This form of learning is characterised by being indircet in a way (because one observers someone else), being sometimes unintended and therefore happening semi-concious. It is probably a very common way to learn that occurs very often.

Research by A. Bandura

It was extensively explored by A. Bandura et al. in experiments with the so-called Bobo doll, an inflatable man-size doll, during the 1960's (ibid.). During the experiments children were shown a film where adults corporealy mistreated the doll and were either rewarded or punished for this behaviour. Children that had seen the adults being rewarded were more likely to act aggressive towards the Bobo doll than children who had seen adults being punished for acting aggressively.

How does social learning happen?

According to Sternberg and Williams (2002, p. 254-255) there are four conditions which are important for social learning taking place: two are rather basic ones - students have to pay attention and they have to be able remember the behavior to act similarly. Additionally they should be motivated to act in the way seen, and (this is important when one talks about childern and younger pupils) as a tutor one has to be aware that particular behavior may request a specific cognitive stage of developement.

Implications

The concept of social learning emphasises the meaning of teachers and tutors being role models.

Literature:

Sternberg, R.J.; Williams, W.M.: Educational Psychology. Boston: Allyn & Bacon 2002.

Useful / continuative links:

B. Jörrissen about the Social Learning Summit 2008 [1]