Behavioral & Social Theories of Learning (Entry #2)

Learning can happen in a vast amount of diverse ways. I am learning at every moment throughout my life whether intentionally or unintentionally. The same goes for the students in my classroom. My students are constantly absorbing information like sponges whether they are truly trying to or not. Nonetheless, I feel as if it is my responsibility as their teacher to help them procure and retain crucial concepts and skills that will be of use in their everyday lives. To gain a better grasp of the idea of learning, I must also take a deeper look into both behavioral and social learning theories. These theories give elaborate explanations for learning that bring attention to observable behaviors (Slavin, 2020, p. 101). I have studied these established theories in prior college courses. Ultimately, I feel that there are substantial gains to be made when we truly think and study further about the idea of learning from such experienced and veteran theorists like Skinner and Bandura.

Concerning the context of my classroom, I feel that it is vital for me to be aware and mindful of the types of behaviors that exist within my classroom. When discussing Skinner’s behavioral learning theory, it is important to note that the most pivotal principle of this theory is that behavior alters as per its instant consequences (Slavin, 2020, p. 105). Reinforcers encourage behavior, whereas punishers diminish behavior (Slavin, 2020, p. 105). Therefore, I need to be explicit about the things I expect from students and provide immediate consequences, whether positive or negative, to address the various behaviors. 

For example, my class and I could be doing timed, small math groups on a given day. Once the timer goes off, I remind students to clean up all of the pieces that belong to their specific math manipulatives game at their table, push their chairs under, and stand behind them quietly. I noticed that table 1 followed my directions the quickest and cleaned up every piece of their game. I verbally reinforce them in front of the entire class by saying, “Awesome job, table 1! You guys cleaned up all of your math manipulatives pieces, pushed each of your chairs under, stood behind them quietly, and waited for further instruction.” In turn, this will help reinforce this exact behavior across all small groups when the timer goes off after their next group rotation. Students value praise, especially when it is given in front of their peers. 

To become a better teacher, I will use what I have learned to create a productive and structured environment where true learning can take place. When students know the expectations of the classroom, the flow of the classroom atmosphere is much more smooth. However, there will also be times when students need to be reminded of these expectations. I can utilize Bandura’s social learning theory to assist me in these types of situations that arise. Although Bandura agrees with the majority of the principles of behavioral learning theories, he adds to this by emphasizing the importance of modeling as well as vicarious experiences. Notably, I have observed where my students do, in fact, learn and retain information better after I have provided some sort of model for them to imitate. I do not use modeling as often as I should, but I will plan to incorporate this more in the future to better assist my students in their learning. This will help them almost every time produce the correct/appropriate results. 

Furthermore, Bandura also highlights the idea that people learn by observing others reinforced or punished for taking part in specific behaviors (Slavin, 2020, p. 117). Just like in my example in the previous paragraph, students are more likely to repeat certain behaviors when they see others receiving praise for it. In the same way, if students are behaving in a way that is not aligned with my expectations, they will receive some form of punishment. In turn, the rest of the class will not want to perform this same behavior. By applying all that I have learned from Bandura’s social learning theory, I will become a more effective teacher.

Overall, behavioral and social learning theories alike are key factors that ultimately shape the way I set expectations and structure within my classroom. I feel positive in my ability to apply and implement what I have learned from reading this chapter in my instructional practices. There are no further questions I have currently as this chapter was abundantly filled with valuable and concise information and strategies.

References

Slavin, R. E. (2020). Educational psychology: Theory and practice (13th ed.). Pearson Education.