Behavior and Social Cognitive Learning Theories, Essay Example

The behavioral theory is comprised of basic assumptions-influence of environment, learning as a behavior change, observable events and similarity of learning across species.  According to this theory, a person’s behavior is the result of their environment. Teachers must remember that a child’s home environment can greatly affect the way a child behaves in the classroom. Some students may be acting on involuntary response to emotion. For example, a child may have had a teacher that used embarrassment as a form of punishment. Now, that child is afraid to respond in class out of fear of giving the wrong answer.  Classical conditions is comprised of generalization and extinction. With generalization students will respond the same way to similar situation.

The social cognitive theory is comprised of five basic assumptions-learn by observation, learning is an internal process that may or may not be reflected in behavior, cognitive process in motivation, and reciprocal influences among environmental behavioral, and personal variable. All students learn differently. Behaviorism teaches that students learn by implementing a trial and error scenario. I agree with social cognitive theorists that argue that learners do not experiment; rather, they acquire knowledge from observing. Many students, especially, younger students, do not know what learning strategies work for them. Instead, they observe how others are learning. Modeling is a good way to teach students. The human brain is well equipped to imitate. Learners acquire many academic skills through observation. Learners can take on negative aspects that they observe. Finally, students must have self-efficacy to desire to learn. Teachers must be good role models for students because often students have few or little people to model themselves after outside the classroom         

Upon entering a classroom, great teachers are making observations about their students. These observations will aid the teacher in effectively teaching students. Over the years, people in the education field have built on to the knowledge they have from past teaching experience. However, new teachers may have to rely on personal experiences with children the help them as the y strive to become master teachers. For example, classroom management is essential in teaching students.  A positive classroom is conducive to learning. Students must feel comfortable, yet they need to know that there are rules and regulations that govern their behaviors in the classroom. The teacher’s personality plays a great role in the environment of the classroom. Once the class is well managed, the teacher has an opportunity to focus more on instructional strategies. The teacher must be aware of the types of students she has in her class. All students learn in different way. A great lesson is geared towards multiple learners.

As an educator it is helpful to know how to determine what type of learners you have in your class. By knowing this, and educator can more adequately reach all of the students being taught. Lesson that use maps, flow charts, webs to organize material, and color coding is a great way to address visual learners. In contrast, students who are auditory learners may need to be engaged in conversation about the subject. The teacher can ask them questions about the material, ask for oral summaries about the material, or some teachers may read information aloud to the class. Teachers must keep in mind all learning types when planning a lesson.

Three Questions

1. You are teaching an 8^th grade class. You have two students that have done poorly on several tests. However, these students do well in class discussions and are eager to participate. Explain how behaviorist techniques can be applied to this situation to determine how to help these students succeed on tests in your class?
2.  Give examples of scenarios where a teacher’s modeling can affect a student in a positive and negative way.
3. Give examples of scenarios where a teacher can help to build a weak learner’s self efficacy.