Scribd
Upload
472 views

Observational Learning

Observational learning occurs when an observer's behavior changes after watching a model's behavior. The observer learns through watching both the model's behavior and the consequences of that behavior. Key aspects of observational learning include attention to the model, retention of what is observed, the ability to physically perform the observed behavior, and motivation to actually demonstrate it. Observational learning impacts education by highlighting the importance of students observing positively reinforced behaviors, collaborative learning experiences, and assessments that provide incentives within supportive environments.

Uploaded by

Brien Naco
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
472 views

Observational Learning

Observational learning occurs when an observer's behavior changes after watching a model's behavior. The observer learns through watching both the model's behavior and the consequences of that behavior. Key aspects of observational learning include attention to the model, retention of what is observed, the ability to physically perform the observed behavior, and motivation to actually demonstrate it. Observational learning impacts education by highlighting the importance of students observing positively reinforced behaviors, collaborative learning experiences, and assessments that provide incentives within supportive environments.

Uploaded by

Brien Naco
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

Observational Learning

(Reported by: Jessica M. Alparaz)

Observational learning, also called social learning theory, occurs when an observers behavior changes after viewing the behavior of a model. An observers behavior can be affected by the positive or negative consequencescalled vicarious reinforcement or vicarious punishment of a models behavior. The person or object performing the behavior is known as the model, and the learner is known as the observer. Observational or social learning is based primarily on the work of Albert Bandura. He and his colleagues were able to demonstrate through a variety of experiments that the application of consequences was not necessary for learning to take place. Rather learning could occur through the simple processes of observing someone else's activity. There are several guiding principles behind observational learning, or social learning theory:

The observer will imitate the models behavior if the model possesses characteristics things such as talent, intelligence, power, good looks, or popularitythat the observer finds attractive or desirable. The observer will react to the way the model is treated and mimic the models behavior. When the models behavior is rewarded, the observer is more likely to reproduce the rewarded behavior. When the model is punished, an example of vicarious punishment, the observer is less likely to reproduce the same behavior.

A distinction exists between an observers acquiring a behavior and performing a behavior. Through observation, the observer can acquire the behavior without performing it. The observer may then later, in situations where there is an incentive to do so, display the behavior. Human development reflects the complex interaction of the person, the persons behavior, and the environment. The relationship between these elements is called reciprocal determinism. A persons cognitive abilities, physical characteristics, personality, beliefs, attitudes, and so on influence either his or her behavior and environment. These influences are reciprocal, however. A persons behavior can affect his feelings about himself and his attitudes and beliefs about others. Likewise, much of what a person knows comes from environmental resources such as television, parents, and books. Environment also affects behavior: what a person observes can powerfully influence what he does. But a persons behavior also contributes to his environment.

Learning by observation involves four separate processes: attention, retention, production and motivation.

Attention: Observers cannot learn unless they pay attention to whats happening around them. This process is influenced by characteristics of the model, such as how much one likes or identifies with the model, and by characteristics of the observer, such as the observers expectations or level of emotional arousal. Retention: Observers must not only recognize the observed behavior but also remember it at some later time. This process depends on the observers ability to code or structure the information in an easily remembered form or to mentally or physically rehearse the models actions. Production: Observers must be physically and/intellectually capable of producing the act. In many cases the observer possesses the necessary responses. But sometimes, reproducing the models actions may involve skills the observer has not yet acquired. It is one thing to carefully watch a circus juggler, but it is quite another to go home and repeat those acts. Motivation: In general, observers will perform the act only if they have some motivation or reason to do so. The presence of reinforcement or punishment, either to the model or directly to the observer, becomes most important in this process.

Attention and retention account for acquisition or learning of a models behavior; production and motivation control the performance. IMITATION AND OBSERVATIONAL LEARNING Observational learning is not the same thing as imitation. In imitation, an observer mimics a modeled behavior. In observational learning, behavioral changes are acquired, which means that the observer may take up a new behavior or stop a behavior, depending on how the behavior is presented by the model, and the change is retained. How Observational Learning Impacts Learning: Curriculum Students must get a chance to observe and model the behavior that leads to a positive reinforcement. Instruction Educators must encourage collaborative learning, since much of learning happens within important social and environmental contexts.

Assessment A learned behavior often cannot be performed unless there is the right environment for it. Educators must provide the incentive and the supportive environment for the behavior to happen. Otherwise, assessment may not be accurate.

You might also like