Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory and Effects on Children
Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory is a cognitive development theory in which “great emphasis is placed on observational learning and role modelling” (Ey, 2016). This can be interpreted to mean that children will often learn behaviours from observing and imitating their peers or mentors. Woolfolk & Margetts (2012) also distinguish that both personal and environmental factors influence learning through imitation.
This essay will focus on the key concepts of Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory and how these concepts support learning in young children and adolescents. It will also discuss strengths and weaknesses of the theory, and how the Social Cognitive theory can be successfully integrated …show more content…
Woolfolk & Margetts (2012) note that teachers should be willing to actively model behaviours such as problem solving (for example, when reading a difficult sentence), and thinking out loud. This will allow for easier, more effective replication of behaviour from students. Teachers must also be aware of outside factors affecting students. Bandura (2001) states: “It is not just exposure to stimulation, but agentic action in exploring, manipulating, and influencing the environment that counts”. This is demonstrated by another example - a child refusing to undertake tasks in the classroom as they are upset. In this case, a factor is making the child unwilling to learn, and the teacher must be aware of this and manage the student’s emotions while encouraging a learning …show more content…
The use of Bandura 's theory to bring attention to positive behaviour which is demonstrated by one child and rewards to motivate other children to imitate this behaviour can be seen in most classroom workplaces. Through reinforcement and imitation, the Australian Curriculum credits that students boost personal and social capabilities as well as leadership
Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory is a cognitive development theory in which “great emphasis is placed on observational learning and role modelling” (Ey, 2016). This can be interpreted to mean that children will often learn behaviours from observing and imitating their peers or mentors. Woolfolk & Margetts (2012) also distinguish that both personal and environmental factors influence learning through imitation.
This essay will focus on the key concepts of Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory and how these concepts support learning in young children and adolescents. It will also discuss strengths and weaknesses of the theory, and how the Social Cognitive theory can be successfully integrated …show more content…
Woolfolk & Margetts (2012) note that teachers should be willing to actively model behaviours such as problem solving (for example, when reading a difficult sentence), and thinking out loud. This will allow for easier, more effective replication of behaviour from students. Teachers must also be aware of outside factors affecting students. Bandura (2001) states: “It is not just exposure to stimulation, but agentic action in exploring, manipulating, and influencing the environment that counts”. This is demonstrated by another example - a child refusing to undertake tasks in the classroom as they are upset. In this case, a factor is making the child unwilling to learn, and the teacher must be aware of this and manage the student’s emotions while encouraging a learning …show more content…
The use of Bandura 's theory to bring attention to positive behaviour which is demonstrated by one child and rewards to motivate other children to imitate this behaviour can be seen in most classroom workplaces. Through reinforcement and imitation, the Australian Curriculum credits that students boost personal and social capabilities as well as leadership