Social Learning Theory proposes that learning occurs through observation and modeling of others' behaviors. It bridges behaviorist and cognitive learning paradigms by including cognitive processes like attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation. Key concepts include observing and modeling behaviors, the interaction between personal factors, behavior, and the environment, and cognitive processes involved in learning from observation. Related theories emphasize the social and contextual aspects of learning, such as communities of practice, cognitive apprenticeships, and activity theory.

1. Social Learning Theories INTC 5110 Spring 2010

2. Background Bandura is noted as the founder of Social Learning as a theory Learning is achieved by observing and modeling the behaviors, attitudes, and emotional reactions of others Bridges behaviorist and cognitivist paradigms by adding a cognitive component Minimizes the environment as the only source of stimuli

3. Model of Variables Perception Behavior Environment All three impact the others

4. Facets Attention Learner must pay attention to the features of the modeled behavior. Affected by the characteristics of both the observer and the person being observed and competing stimuli. Retention If an individual is to be influenced by observing behaviors he or she needs to remember the activities that were modeled at one time or another. Imagery and language aid in this process of retaining information. Humans store the behaviors they observe in the form of mental images or verbal descriptions, Recall the image or description later to reproduce the activity with their own behavior.

5. Facets Reproduction Converting symbolic representations into appropriate actions. Behavioral reproduction is accomplished by organizing one's own responses in accordance with the modeled pattern. A person's ability to reproduce a behavior improves with practice. Motivation Incentives as reinforcers. Negative reinforcers discourage the continuation of the modeled activity.

6. Related Theories Social Development (Vygotsky) Cognitive development occurs through social interaction Learning occurs in the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) Learn best from someone who recently learned the same thing Collaboration between learner and more knowledgeable peers and teachers the key (not transmission of information)

7. Related Theories and Ideas Situated Learning (Lave) Learning is embedded in Activity, Context, Culture Knowledge MUST be presented in authentic contexts — settings and situations that involve that knowledge in use.

8. Related Theories and Ideas Situated Learning Communities of Practice Importance of social interaction (collaboration) Novices enter into community and are helped by experts Novices eventually take the expert role for others Cognitive Apprenticeships Learning takes place informally as well as formally Authentic activities that are as much as possible like the actual context Social construction of knowledge base Knowledge is shared by the community in which the activity takes place Common base of knowledge for the community is created

9. Related Theories and Ideas Activity Theory In order to reach an outcome it is necessary to produce certain objects (e.g. experiences, knowledge, and physical products) Human activity is mediated by artifacts (e.g. tools, documents, recipes, etc.) Activity is also mediated by an organization or community. Also, the community may impose rules that affect activity. The subject works as part of the community to achieve the object. An activity normally also features a division of effort. http://www.learning-theories.com/activity-theory.html

10. Related Theories and Ideas Affordances Objects in our environment afford us uses (activities) So an object’s meaning is dependent upon what it affords us the opportunity to do Those affordances are goal-directed – what are we trying to accomplish?

11. Applications to Instruction Must consider context as much as (if not more than) content Context defines content Learning is a social activity People do not learn completely alone Community plays a role in learning Knowledge is defined by activity Meanings associated with uses Example: Sociocultural Design Model