According to Siemens, a learning theory must do the following things:
1. Explain how learning occurs
2. Allow us to create future models of learning
3. Help make sense of the present
Over the last few weeks we have discussed behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, and now social learning theory. I believe that I could argue that each of the four theories just mentioned have the three characteristics that would classify them as good learning theories. I can also argue that none of the above theories can be successful without the implementation of another. I will not bore you with that discussion. Instead, I will give you my opinion on the social learning theory.
The social learning theory refers to learning that takes place from a social network. It basically states that people learn from watching, talking, and questioning others. This makes common sense. I watch my three year old watch television or her mother and try to mimic every move. This is a learning process. This theory was never so evident than when I was getting my undergrad. I recall many nights of my classmates and I getting together to study or try to figure out what in the world our professor was talking about during class. Especially during my higher level math classes. We used one another for knowledge. All of us contributed in some form or another. Ones that did not contribute usually got weeded out of the group. This social networking, or collaboration, was instrumental in my success. I gave you that information to show that I really do believe in the social theory and the power that it can have on people that are trying to learn. I often let my second block class discuss answers and harder math problems with another. This, however, leads to my issue with the theory. Students must want to learn and be somewhat motivated for this socialistic approach to work. Many of our students today do not possess this trait. Students at a university usually do as do younger children. Unfortunately, our students are growing up in a society where there are few consequences and failure is not that bad. With this mentality the social learning theory can actually do more damage than good. As I stated earlier, I let one of my three blocks use this socialization. The other two are not as concerned with their learning and it becomes exactly what the name states, social.
In closing, I use a plethora of learning strategies and theories in my classroom. Some that "experts" would love and others that "experts" would hate. This mix and match style is what I believe to be effective. By no means do I believe that my style of teaching is the best or most efficient and I am not naive enough to think that it works for all styles of learners. This is why I get aggravated at "experts" that tell me how I should be teaching. Most that have never sat in a public high school with so many different backgrounds and different learning capabilities.
My voicethread was giving a quick review to my students on solving exponential equations:
http://voicethread.com/share/2913220/
I agree that social learning is an excellent tool when it is used to understand a concept. This is a really useful method of learning in college when students are in larger lecture courses or when the teacher moves at a very fast pace. However, in middle and high school classrooms, the learning process can quickly shift from discussing the lesson the teacher presented in class to just plain gossip about other students in school. I try to set strict guidelines for the discussion when students are working together and I take away rewards if they don't follow instructions.
ReplyDeleteI also like the idea of social learning because it is a skill ended for students to be successful in school and in life. Students should develop these skills in elementary school as they are able to work with students and teachers. Social learning does become even more evident in high school and college and even in their chosen profession. This is the reason that I arrange my learning environment in cooperative groups. Students get an opportunity to work together and share ideas.
ReplyDeleteNice example of social learning. I think that we get caught up in how this would look in a classroom and forget that all of these learning theories must have their base at the lowest levels of learning. You brought up a good point about how some of the non-contributors got weeded out from your study groups. (Devil’s advocate moment)--> Maybe this could be a flaw of the social learning theory. Some students may not be able to contribute as much as others but still may learn just as much from just being a part of the group. If we just “weed them out” then they are missing out on the benefits of being a part of the group.
ReplyDeleteI try to make sure when I group students to put them in situations and with students that might not be the most comfortable. The life lesson here is that they will not always get to choose who they work with or what they work on.