Albert Bandura’s social learning theory

Social Learning Theory, theorized by Albert Bandura, posits that people learn from one another, via
observation, imitation, and modeling. The theory has often been called a bridge between behaviorist
and cognitive learning theories because it encompasses attention, memory, and motivation.
 Environment may affect the child’s behavior, but the child may also influence the environment
 Social variables as determinants of behavior and personality
 Imitation – many kinds of behavior are learned by observing and then mimicking the behavior
of others
 Vicarious reinforcement – a central tenet of social learning that says learning will take place
even when reinforcement is indirectly applied.

Lev Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Contexts

 Zone of proximal development – range of skills a child has not yet mastered, but could accomplish with
the assistance provided by adults and more knowledgeable peers.
 Zone of actual development - shows completed levels of cognitive development
 Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory of cognitive development has significant ramifications in education and
cognitive testing. Vygotsky was a strong advocate of non-standard assessment procedures for the
assessment of what and how much a child has learned and in the formulation of approaches that could
enhance the child’s learning. His ideas have effected changes in educational systems through the
increased importance given to the active role of students in their own learning process and the
encouragement of teacher-student collaboration in a reciprocal learning experience.

Robert