APPLICATIONS OF SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY IN EDUCATION

There are somewhat varieties of applications that have been implemented in the
classroom. Nonetheless, not all educators and teachers are aware of any applications that can
be implement to their students in the classroom by using the social learning theory. In
addition, not all benefits enough the theory of social learning to improve their students
performance in classroom and schools.
According to Hammond (2011), by incorporating social learning theory into your
classroom, you can develop an encouraging classroom environment, which in turn inspires
students to engage your lesson and enjoy the learning experience. Hence, there are six ways
suggested by Hammond (2011) to incorporate social learning theory into classroom activities.
There are, (suggested by Hammond, 2011):
1) Plan a series of rewards for specific actions in class. Include candy rewards for
younger students, bonus points on future exams or quizzes and a few class parties
during the semester. Select rewards appropriate to the grade level and class maturity,
as bonus test points are worth more to older students and treats to younger ones.
2) Design specific ways for students to earn these rewards; this can be include
participating in class regularly or a high group average on a test. Include numerous
opportunities to receive a reward, such as weekly awards, monthly awards and smaller
daily rewards. Also be sure to design individual as well as group rewards, so that
students are encouraged to participate and thrive individually as well as collectively.
3) Create encouraging atmosphere in class by staying positive and reacting positively to
student questions and comments. Regularly praise students for insightful comments
and compliments questions, which show a high degree of individual understanding
about a topic.
4) Develop a positive technique for reaching to student failures or misunderstandings,
such as positive way to explain to a student that her answer was wrong without
sounding discouraging. Explain the positive points of these works while suggesting a
different perspective she can use to reach the correct answer.

5) Demonstrate new concepts early, and praise students when you see them
demonstrating the right method to address a question in class. Give your students a
positive example of how to address an issue and work towards a solution.
6) Provide a strong moral example for your students, encouraging them to incorporate
those morals into their lives. Demonstrate these morals in your speech as well as your
actions in class. For instance, if you have to leave during an exam, tell your students
the positive statement, I have to step out, but I trust you to continue your exam
quietly. rather than the negative command, Ill be gone for a moment, so you are
not to cheat or talk to each other while I am gone.
Hence, since the social learning theory suggests that students learn through
observation, developing traits and habits based on the environment in which they are in,
all of the six applications are applicable enough to cater students learning in classroom.
However, teacher should also aware of their actions as according to Hammond (2011), the
negative side of social learning theory also suggest that some actions you take as a
teacher can deter your students from participating and restrict their engagement in your
lesson.
There are also some applications as suggested by Losabia (2011), though it may have
some similarities with Hammond (2011), it may also be useful for teachers in
implementing it in their teaching and learning process. There are four applications of
social learning theory by Losabia (2011), there are:
1) Learners learn through observation. Therefore as teachers, we can utilize modelling
especially on topics that develop skills or the psychomotor domain of our objectives.
Demonstration method can be used especially on topics like dance or stunts in
Physical Education Topics, using the microscope in Science, how to set buttons in
EPP, measuring angles in Mathematics and many more.
2) Modelling is another way to modify or shape behaviour aside from the usual
reinforcement. Present scenarios or vicarious experiences of models that present
rewards or consequences of various behaviours. Share and discuss biographies,
anecdotes and many other stories about people or certain models and the results of
their behaviour.
3) Present not only the usual or common models. As teachers, let us present and
expose our learners to diverse models to avoid stereotyping.

4) Finally yet importantly, teachers must be good role models for learners. Teacher
should be aware and careful with the behaviour especially values.

To conclude, there are varieties and lots of application that is applicable in classroom and
can be practice by teachers to improve their students performance, thus enhance their
learning process to be more effectives. Social learning theory as opposed by Bandura (1977)
where people learn through observations is crucial and had much influence on education.
Despite of its benefits to students where they can learn in a better way, it also beneficial to
teachers where teachers can apply and implement the skills and techniques in their teaching
skills.

References

Cherry, K. (n.d.). How Does Observational Learning Work? Retrieved November 16,
2014, from http://psychology.about.com/od/developmental
Dipple, S. (n.d.). Social Learning Theory. Retrieved November 16, 2014, from
http://www.primary-education-oasis.com/social-learning-theory.html
Losabia, J. (2011, February 6). Teaching and Learning: My Perspective: Applications:
Albert Bandura's Social Learning Theory. Retrieved November 16, 2014, from
http://jaylordlosabia.blogspot.com/2011/02/applications-albert-banduras-social.html
Hammond, K. (2011, September 22). How to Incorporate Social Learning Theory into
Classroom

Activities.

Retrieved

November

16,

2014,

http://www.ehow.com/how_12085157_incorporate-social-learning-theory-classroomactivities.html

from