Learning
as a Social Process
Presented by Ben Bruni
What
is Social Learning?
Social Learning can take many forms. It can involve modeling, peer
interaction, visual stimuli, and so forth. In a nutshell, social learning is the
process of learning through observation as well as ones own trial and error. It
is taking what you see and hear about and applying it to your own actions.
Social Learning finds its roots in Neal Miller and John Dollard’s
behavioral theory formed in 1941. It was a theory based on the ideas of
stimulus, reward, and reinforcement. The belief that behavior is affected by
social environments has since been expanded to what we know of today. Albert
Bandura developed and published his Social Leaning Theory in 1977. His
theory figured that social learning occurs through consequences as well as the
observations of other’s behaviors.
Social Learning is not simply limited to Bandura’s theory. It is such a
large field that it has encompassed numerous ideas. A more one on one approach
to social learning can be found in George Homans Social Exchange Theory (1974).
Social learning today has found its way into almost every aspect of
psychology. It has also gained a following in the area of education. Recently,
with the numerous out breaks of violence in schools, an emphasis has been placed
on the need for social education in schools. More and more, school systems are
looking to create and incorporate the use of positive social learning
environments into their schools.
One of the great needs in today’s schools is a proper understanding of
the ideas and theories that make up social learning. Teachers, administrators,
and parents are now, more than ever, being encouraged to learn about how they
can bring along their child in the social aspects of education. Peer
collaboration as well as communication between parents and schools is one of the
foremost issues in education. The
following are several web sites devoted to allowing one to gain a better
understanding of the fundamentals of social learning.
http://jasss.soc.surrey.ac.uk/4/1/3.html
This article, Intelligent
Social Learning (2001) written by Rosaria Conte and Mario Paolucci deals
with the process of social learning through imitation as well as behavioral and
cultural transmission. The article is quite in-depth and rich with research. A
wonderful academic approach to the idea of learning through the imitation of
others acts.
http://www.mhhe.com/socscience/comm/bandur-s.mhtml
A complete and comprehensive look at Bandura’s Social Learning
Theory. Covers research involved in Bandura’s theory as well as
explanations of the parts and levels of the theory.
http://tip.psychology.org/bandura.html
Bandura’s actual theory.
Social learning can be found in all aspects of life. From the time we
open our eyes till death, we are continually taking in stimuli that teaches us
things that affects the way we act. Any interactions with others as well as
visual images we encounter play roles in our decision making. One of the more
prevailing beliefs in today’s society is that the constant barrage of violence
and sexuality shown on TV and in the movies had lead to an increase in violence
in today’s youth. This is one area where social learning or learning through
social interaction has become a forefront method of defense against youth
related problems.
Social learning is also one of the biggest methods of teaching people who
have learning disabilities. Disabilities such as Alzheimer’s, ASD and forms of
autism, have all been shown to respond positively to the use of social learning
when looking to help teach fundamental functioning. In fact, one of the most
concentrated areas of social learning study is devoted to its application in the
field of mental and behavioral disorders.
The following is hyperlinks to the forefront movement that is using the
theory of social learning to aid in the education of people with mental and
behavioral handicaps.
This web site has several strong points in its connection with social learning. It includes book reviews, seminar dates, professional reviews, academic references, information concerning autism, a wide scope of social learning material with regards to autism, as well as grant information.
Most importantly, the sire includes educational articles covering:
- Homework environments.
http://www.thegraycenter.org/building_a_better_homework_syste.htm
Here, teachers will find a professional article dealing with the creation of a better homework environment for their children.
- IEP students and social learning
http://www.thegraycenter.org/ten_common_mistakes_parents__mak.htm
This article is devoted to teaching parents several
common mistakes and misconceptions that usually accompany the assignment of the
label IEP to their child. This is an article all educators should read so that
they to can aid in the social and educational development of IEP students to the
maximum level.
As today’s classrooms become more streamlined, it is no longer enough
for teachers to simply teach the content of the textbooks. Now teachers are
being asked to develop their student’s social, behavioral and moral genres.
Especial focus has been placed on creating classroom free of alienation or
social ridicule. In each of the recent tragic event is America’s and even
Germany’s high schools, social isolation has been listed as the top reason for
the sudden violent outbreaks.
Though social learning and development has been a forthright issue, the
recent rash of violence has made it America’s number one priority. Schools now
have the daunting task of trying to curb the social misconceptions created by
the mainstream media. The glorification of violence, sex, and drug usage that is
so prevalent in the music and entertainment industries of toady has built an
image of gratuitous debauchery that schools must balance out. The task is most
complex. Teachers must teach responsibility while avoiding creating rebellion.
The following are hyperlinks to sights aimed at aiding educators and
parents in such a task.
Probably the best site featured on this presentation. Designed by educators for educators, the site is devoted to the development of social responsibility in education. It focuses on the value of social learning in schools and highlights include:
- Newsletters
- Program info
- Information for developing your own programs in your area
- Academic articles.
This site is devoted to the development of social and emotional education for children ranging for birth to 12th grade.
Some of the highlights of the site include:
- Lesson plans for social education
- A place to post your own lesson plans for others to see.
- Surveys
- Professional articles
-
Resources
Resources for educator’s interested in learning more about the application of social learning in education. All books can be purchased online at http://www.thegraycenter.org/books_and_resources.htm
My
Social Stories Book
Edited by: Carol Gray
Comic
Strip Conversations
By: Carol Gray
The
Morning News A publication by The
Gray Center
Writing
Social Stories with Carol Gray By:
Carol Gray
The
New Social Stories Book
By: Carol Gray
Visual
Strategies for Improving Communications
By: Linda Hodgdon