Bandura's social learning theory: four fundamental requirements for people to learn and model behavior¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The paper presents social learning theory as a century-old body of work in education, psychology and sociology, with Albert Bandura as one of its most prominent experts. According to the account, "since individuals learn best by observing others, learners are tremendously influenced by the roles models who they observe." The theory specifies four requirements — attention, retention, reproduction and motivation — that the paper uses as a design lens for evaluating online learning environments.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Learning and modeling behavior requires attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation, with reinforcement through rewards, punishments, incentives and repeat exposures

Constraints¶

Target Learners¶

• K-12 and higher education students

Target Learning Objectives¶

• Acquisition of knowledge through observing others and modeling behavior

Claims¶

Related Theories¶

• Social Learning Theory
• Self-Efficacy Theory

Examples¶

• Mapping an online tutoring environment onto Bandura's four requirements
• Reserve \"social learning\" for platforms grounded in social learning theory; describe social-media-enabled platforms as \"STIL\" (Social Technology in Learning)
• eSylvan: an early online tutoring environment deliberately incorporating Bandura's four steps

Key Sources¶

• Gilfus et. al. (2009). "Social Learning" Buzz Masks Deeper Dimensions. Gilfus Education Group. https://www.gilfuseducationgroup.com