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Social Learning Theory

Jackson Watt

National University
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Abstract

Social cognitive theory can be used to explain why a student behaves and learns the way that they do.

Albert Bandura’s belief that social interactions and “models” shape people’s attitudes and learning

abilities should be noted by educators. It then becomes all the more important to implement the UDL in

the classroom.
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Main ideas of Albert Bandura's social cognitive theory

Albert Bandura’s social cognitive theory states that, “both social interactions and models

influence people’s learning as well as self-influence and motivation” (National University PPT 2018).

Because of this, not only will a person become a product of their environment but their environment

will affect their mood and therefore success. Social learning is impacted by all aspects of a learning

environment.

Understanding Annie's Mindset

"I just can't do this writing stuff"?

In the social cognitive theory framework, Annie feels like she “can’t do this writing stuff”

because of the interactions she has had with her classroom learning environment. According to

Bandura, “much of human learning is not shaped by its consequences but is more efficiently learned

directly from a model” (Slavin 112). Some aspect of Annie’s experience in Mr. Baer’s classroom has

created this block in her learning. This lack of confidence may stem from a multitude of things. For

example, Annie may find writing difficult causing self-doubt. Annie may notice that other students seem

to grasp the content quicker than she does thus creating self-doubt. I could go on, but the point is that

Annie’s mindset is a product of the interactions she has or has had either with Mr. Baer’s class or the

subject of English as a whole.

The sources of Annie's low self-efficacy beliefs

For Bandura, Annie’s low self-efficacy beliefs are a product of her social interactions with the model in

question, in this case the model is English class. According to Slavin, “social learning theory accepts most

of the principles of behavioral theories but focuses to a much greater degree on the effects of cues on

behavior and on internal mental processes, emphasizing the effects of thought on action and the effects
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of action on thought” (112). Annie’s discontent for English class comes from social actions that she now

associates with English. Maybe she has negative associations with it because of her experience at school

or possibly her home life has created this problem. At this point, she would rather be in P.E. or art class

because she most likely has some positive association with those classes.

Applying social cognitive theory to help Annie

After hearing Annie’s appeal in class, Mr. Baer should attempt to implement more aspects of the

UDL in his classroom in order to accommodate her learning style. However, this may be futile, it may be

too late for subtle changes, kids can be stubborn and when they decide that they do not like something

it can be difficult to change their mind. Mr. Baer may want to mix up his classroom environment in an

attempt to make English appealing for students like Annie.

Annie's Self-efficacy and Self-regulation

Self-motivation and self-regulation can be difficult for a student especially when the student

does not enjoy the topic. This is where the teacher comes into play, Mr. Baer needs to implement

interactive aspects into his English class. Self-evaluations, partner writing workshops and interactive

lesson plans can help the students interact with their learning environment in positive ways.

Annie’s Behavior, Typical or Atypical?

Annie’s behavior is typical of a student in the context of Bandura’s social cognitive theory. Many

students suffer from some type of self-doubt stemming from their social situation at school or at home.

Not to mention the many other factors involved in self confidence and mental fortitude. In my opinion,

Annie’s behavior is typical and if Mr. Baer can help her comprehend the triggers for this behavior either

through a use of the UDL or a parent meeting, Annie will be able to handle English class in a much more

balanced way.
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Mr. Baer’s Role

Mr. Baer needs to reach out to Annie in some way in an attempt to resolve this problem. If we look at it

through the social learning theory, Mr. Baer should attempt to resolve this problem on his own by

restructuring his lesson plans. If this strategy does not work, Mr. Baer should meet with Annie’s parents

to discuss how Annie learns and the environmental impacts both teacher and parent can have on this

ability. In the social cognitive theory framework, people learn through imitation of people’s behaviors

(parents/home life) as well as through other’s successes and failures (teacher and peers in the classroom

setting). In summation, according to Albert Bandura, Annie’s mental state is a product of her social and

physical environments and her interactions with these environments.

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Works Cited

National University (2018). Social Cognitive View of Learning and Motivation.PPT

SLAVIN, R. E. (2017). EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY MYEDUCATIONLAB WITH ENHANCED PEARSON ETEXT

ACCESS CARD: Theory and... practice. S.l.: PRENTICE HALL.