It doesn't get much better than social learning

           

              There are many “parts” or principles to the social learning theory. In the social learning theory, “students are actively engaged in constructing artifacts and conversing with others” (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011) “context and culture are critical in constructing knowledge and understanding of the world around us” (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011), and “teaching others helps the learner develop a deeper understanding of the content” (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011).

            There are also many instructional strategies used in classrooms today that correlate with the principles of social learning theories. Collaborative and cooperative learning are key ingredients to the social learning theory and all of the instructional strategies involve both collaboration and cooperation.

            One example of an instructional strategy is the Jigsaw Strategy. When using the Jigsaw Strategy, students are put into groups. Each person in the group is assigned to a topic and must research that topic. After the research is complete, each person must teach his/her group about the topic (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011). This relates to social learning because students are working in groups, creating information to share with each other, and relying heavily on the conversations with one another in order to learn.

            A second example of an instructional strategy is creating a video. Students are put into groups and given specific roles and must successfully create a video. Again, the students are working in groups, they must rely on each other, and a really cool artifact will be created at the end.

            A final example of an instructional strategy is keypals. Keypals can be used in the classroom and allow students to use e-mail to collaborate with students in other classes or students from far away (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007, p.145).

            No matter what instructional strategy is used, it is important for students to be practicing the principles of the social learning theory. “To be prepared for the fast-paced, virtual workplace that they will inherit, todays students need to be able to learn and produce cooperatively.” (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007, p.139).

References:

Laureate Education, Inc.(Producer). (2011) Social Learning Theories.

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.