Albert Bandura's Social Learning Theory through observing others' behaviors, attitudes, and

Albert Bandura is famous for his Social Learning outcomes of their actions. Bandura's influential research

Theory and Social Cognitive Theory. Albert Bandura’s on childhood development, particularly his infamous

social learning theories of education focus on the "Bobo Doll Experiment," has had a lasting impact on the

significance of observation, modelling and imitating the psychology of learning, development, and behavior.

attitudes, emotional reactions and behaviour of others. Bandura's social learning theory has had enormous

Albert Bandura clarified the concept of learning by implications in fields ranging from education to criminal

doing and experiencing the consequences of a person’s justice. It highlights the importance of modeling positive

actions. In Albert Bandura's bobo doll experiment, behaviors and using positive reinforcement to encourage

children aged 3 to 6 were shown a video of an aggressive learning and development. Furthermore, it suggests that

adult hitting a 'Bobo doll.' factors like cultural norms, peer pressure, and the media

In this famous experiment Albert Bandura divided the can all have significant impacts on learning and behavior.

children into 3 groups: the first group saw that the Overall, Albert Bandura's work in social learning theory

aggressive adult was rewarded after hitting the doll, the has had an enduring legacy in the fields of psychology,

second group saw that the aggressive adult was education, and beyond. His research emphasizes a more

punished after being aggressive towards the doll, and the nuanced understanding of childhood development and

third group did not see the adult getting punished or the complex factors that influence it.

rewarded for showing aggression towards the doll. ‍

Albert Bandura’s doll experiment revealed that the ‍

children who saw that the adult was rewarded after

being aggressive were more likely to exhibit aggressive
behaviour themselves. Albert Bandura’s doll Key education theorists

experiment also showed that girls are less likely than ‍

boys to imitate the aggressive attitude of the grown-ups B.F. Skinner and Operant Conditioning

in the video. This supported Bandura's theory that B. F. Skinner was one of the most famous operant

children learn through observation and imitation rather conditioning theorist and educational psychologists of

than solely through reinforcement and punishment. the 20th century who proposed that changes in behavior

Apart from the doll experiment, Albert Bandura also take place as the outcome of a person's response to

proposed a comprehensive theory of child development stimuli (events) occurring in the environment.

which focuses on how children learn and gain In his operant conditioning theory or Reinforcement

knowledge about themselves and the world through theory B.F. Skinner states that the human behavior is

their interactions with others. His Social Learning guided by the consequences. Skinner believed in power

Theory outlined factors such as observational learning, of association that negative behaviours must not be

progressive mastery, self-efficacy and reciprocal rewarded positively or must be punished. Positive

determinism which all contribute to how children behaviours must be rewarded.

develop mentally. Skinner states that positive reinforcement increases the

Albert Bandura's social learning theory is a critical likelihood of a specific response by incorporating a

theory that rose to prominence in the 20th century. stimulus after performing a positive behaviour. Skinner

Central to this theory is the idea that people learn mentioned that the negative reinforcement increases the
likelihood of a specific response but by eliminating an
unwanted consequence.
B. F. Skinner's theories are often applied in child
development settings, particularly when it comes to
teaching children how to behave properly through
positive and negative reinforcements. Examples of
positive reinforcement include praise and rewards,
while examples of negative reinforcements involve
disciplinary measures or withholding privileges.
Through this method of reinforcement, Skinner firmly
believed that children can be trained to alter their
behaviour for the betterment of themselves and others
around them.
In terms of the implications for a classroom, one of the
key tenets of Skinner's theory is the idea of shaping
behavior through the use of rewards and positive
reinforcement. He believed that by providing students
with positive feedback and incentives for exhibiting
desired behaviors, educators could increase the
likelihood of those behaviors being repeated in the
future. This critical approach to education has been
widely adopted in many educational settings as a means
of promoting student success and growth.
Furthermore, Skinner's theory has been influential in
many fields beyond education, including psychology and
business management. The concept of positive
reinforcement has been used in countless studies
examining motivation, job performance, and
organizational behavior.
Overall, Skinner's positive reinforcement theory has had
a lasting impact on the field of education and beyond. His
critical approach to shaping behaviors through reward
and feedback has brought about significant positive
changes in many areas of human activity, demonstrating
the power of positive reinforcement to encourage
growth and development.
‍
John Dewey's Instrumentalism
John Dewey was one of the pragmatic theorists and
American philosopher who proposed the theory of
instrumentalism, also referred to as pragmatism. He was
a progressive-democratic educator and a functional
psychology pioneer.
Like other pragmatic educators, John Dewey believed
that schools must be viewed as social institutions and
social interaction leads to effective education. John
Dewey considered education as a way of life and not a
way to prepare for future living.
John Dewey is credited with developing the Experiential
Learning Theory, which argues that learning should
be based on experiences rather than on abstract ideas.
He argued that by engaging in hands-on activities and
participating in group projects, learners could better
understand concepts, retain knowledge and apply their
understanding to other areas. These experiences become
the basis for ongoing education and allow students to
engage more actively in their learning process.
This idea of 'learning by doing' is still used in classrooms
today and it largely supports the concept that students
learn better when they are actively engaged in their own
learning process. John Dewey believed in tailoring
education to meet the needs of each individual learner,
as opposed to having a uniform curriculum dictated by
textbooks. He wrote extensively on this concept and his
work continued to heavily influence educational theories
up until the present day.
‍
‍
Educational theorist perspectives
‍
Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligences
The three most common types of learners proposed in
this theory include auditory learners, visual learners,
and kinesthetic learners. However, Howard
Gardner proposed that other than these 3 types of
learners, there are several other types of learners, such
as those possessing interpersonal, musical, linguistic
and spatial-visual intelligences.
Howard Gardner's theory is significant because instead
of paying attention to just one cognitive ability, Howard
Gardner’s theory focuses on all different types of
learners and categories of mental strengths that a
student may possess.
According to Gardner, there are seven types of learner:
Visual-Spatial Learners, Bodily–Kinesthetic Learners,
Musical Learners, Interpersonal Learners, Intrapersonal
Learners, Naturalistic Learners and Existential Learners.
By understanding each of these different types of
learners and their unique strengths and
weaknesses, teachers can adjust their teaching
methods to meet the needs of each student.
Howard Gardner is considered the original theorist
behind the idea of multiple intelligences, which he
published his landmark book, "Frames of Mind: The
Theory of Multiple Intelligences," in 1983. Due to this
work and other publications, he is known as one of the
most prolific education theorists in recent history. His
multiple intelligence theory still influences
many educational systems today.
John Hattie's Visible Learning
John Hattie was one of first educational theorists to
propose that practical application of visible learning and
teaching takes place when educators view learning from
the students’ eyes and help them become teachers for
themselves. Visible Learning indicates an enhanced role
for educators as they begin to evaluate their teaching.
John Hattie felt that how students view themselves, and
what they consider the most important with regards to
their learning and their desired results, will have a major
impact on their observable behaviors in class and
motivation to learn.
John Hattie indicates that schools need to create the
cultures and structures that nurture effective teacher
collaboration – collaboration that pays attention on
factors to impact both young and adult learners
experience of learning in a positive manner.
John Hattie is considered a critical theorist who supports
the idea of positive learning environments. His research
has found that greater learning occurs when
collaboration between teachers leads to shared decision-
making and knowledge acquisition.
He believes in promoting a constructive and inquisitive
attitude among students, which emphasizes the
importance of issues such as fairness, and non-cultural
values that facilitate better educational outcomes.
He advocates for pragmatic educators, who design
learning environments which focus on visible teaching
skills and desired outcomes. This allows for targeted
instruction which can effectively address any issues
faced by a particular student.
‍
Hatties Theory
‍

John Watson's Behavioral Theories

John Watson is best known for his behaviorist theory
and its practical application on child development. John
Watson thought that a child's observable behaviors are
primarily shaped by his environment over his natural
temperament or genetic makeup.
John Watson believed that most social knowledge, such
as trust and loyalty, must be learned. He proposed the
'Law of Effect', stating that individuals will respond to
stimuli in the direction and degree of pleasure or
comfort. Watson argued that this ability to learn allows
us to transfer our experiences across different contexts
and promote more complex problem-solving.
By applying Watson's theories, teachers can focus on
creating an educational environment that emphasizes
positive reinforcement and the development of desirable
behaviors. This approach can help students learn to
engage with the material more effectively and develop
more productive study habits.
Additionally, it can help teachers create a culture of
mutual respect and support in the classroom. At the
same time, by emphasizing observable behaviors,
teachers can help students develop a better
understanding of how their actions can impact
themselves and others.
Overall, Watson's behavioral theories provide a critical
framework for understanding child development and
shaping classroom environments. By focusing on
observable behaviors and cultural theories, teachers can
create a space where students feel supported and
motivated to learn. This approach can help students
become more confident and engaged in the classroom,
with positive outcomes for both individual and collective
learning.
‍
Education theorist ideas
socially responsive teacher who can provide the right
‍
level of scaffolding and support as needed.
Lev Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory Overall, teachers can use Vygotsky's sociocultural theory
Lev Vygotsky was a Russian psychologist famous for to promote better learning outcomes by recognizing the
his sociocultural theory. Vygotsky's theory includes critical role of social interactions in cognitive
concepts like the Zone of Proximal Development, private development. By fostering a collaborative and socially
speech, and culture-specific tools. Lev Vygotsky defined responsive learning environment, teachers can help
Zone of Proximal Development as the space between students construct meaning and deepen their
what a student can do without help and what he can do understanding of new information.
in collaboration with more able peers or with the help of ‍
an adult.
According to Vygotsky's theory, successful learners
depend on help from more experienced peers or adults.
This kind of assistance involves explaining, encouraging,
and guiding the process of learning. Vygotsky argued
that the help provided is crucial in facilitating the
development of skills and knowledge which allows
children to become independent and successful.
Lev Vygotsky's sociocultural theory is a sociological
theory that focuses on the relationship between
cognitive development and social interactions. As a
critical theorist, Vygotsky believed that children's
development is closely linked to their engagement with a
body of knowledge and social knowledge. Teachers can
leverage Vygotsky's theories to support the development
of their students and promote better learning outcomes.
One approach that teachers can use is to create
opportunities for collaborative learning, where students Lev Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory
work together to develop an understanding of the ‍
subject matter. Vygotsky emphasized that such social Jean Piaget's Cognitive Learning Theory
interactions and collaborations can help students build Jean Piaget is primarily known for his Cognitive
on their previous knowledge and achieve a deeper learning theory that focuses on the internal processes
understanding of the material. Teachers can facilitate including memory and information. In his Cognitive
these interactions by encouraging group work, peer-to- Development Theory Jean Piaget suggests that
peer learning, and classroom discussions. children's intelligence goes through changes as children
Teachers can also use Vygotsky's sociocultural learning grow.
theory to support individual learning by understanding Children’s cognitive development does not only
each student's unique cognitive abilities and social involve knowledge acquisition, they need to develop or
context. Vygotsky's theory suggests that the cognitive build a mental model of their environment. The stage
development of each student can be supported by a
theory of child development is one of the most famous
cognitive theories by Piaget.
According to the Stage theory of Piaget, both young and
adult learners primarily learn through visual and aural
channels. Stage theory by Kolberg was also inspired by
the practical application of Piaget's stage theory of child
development.
Piaget’s Cognitive Learning Theory states that learners
progress through four developmental levels as they
acquire knowledge and skills. These levels are the
Sensorimotor Stage, Preoperational Stage, Concrete
Operational Stage, and Formal Operational Stage. Those
in the learning process must gain a basic understanding
within each stage before progressing to the next. For
instance, they must first begin by understanding objects
symbolically before developing abstract thinking and
problem-solving skills.
David Kolb's Experiential Learning
David Kolb is well known for his experiential learning
theory that involves practical application of learning
from experience. The psychologist David Kolb proposed
his experiential learning theory under the influence of
the works of other educational theorists such as Jean
Piaget, Kurt Lewin and John Dewey.
Experiential learning allows students to analyze their
actions, thought processes, and emotional responses.
Following are the four stages of David Kolb's
Experiential learning cycle :
1. Concrete Experience (feeling);
2. Reflective Observation (watching);
3. Abstract Conceptualization; (thinking) and
4. Active Experimentation (doing).
David Kolb’s Experiential learning cycle starts with a
learner’s concrete experience and terminates with the
active experimentation of knowledge gained by the
students.
John Sweller's Cognitive Load Theory
John Swellers proposed cognitive load theory (CLT) in
1988 stating that both young and adult learners working
memory can only hold a limited amount of information
at a given time and that teaching methods must avoid
overloading both young and adult learners to enhance
learning.
An important aspect of his cognitive load theory is that
an excessive cognitive load may adversely affect the
success of a task. Cognitive load theory proposes that
both young and adult learners experience cognitive load
in different ways.
John Sweller's cognitive load theory suggests that both
young and adult learners should be taught in a way that
minimizes the amount of cognitive load they experience.
This can be done by breaking down complex tasks into
smaller, more manageable chunks and providing
appropriate scaffolding to help students understand the
material. Additionally, instructional materials should be
designed to reduce extraneous cognitive load, such as
using visuals or diagrams to explain.
To achieve better student learning outcomes, teachers
can embrace this theory and design learning activities
that manage cognitive load effectively. One way to do
this is to understand the cognitive architecture of
the mind, which consists of the working memory and
long-term memory. By minimizing extraneous load,
teachers can help students better focus on the germane
load, or the essential information required for learning.
To reduce extraneous load, teachers can use techniques
such as eliminating unnecessary information, structuring
materials in a logical and organized manner, and
providing clear and concise instructions. Intrinsic load
refers to the inherent complexity of the learning
material, which teachers can reduce by scaffolding
instruction and breaking new concepts into smaller,
manageable parts.
Teachers can enhance learning by using cognitive
processes that facilitate the integration of new
information with existing knowledge. This can be
achieved by promoting active learning such as through
problem-solving, discussion, and application of concepts.
Finally, teachers can utilize memory resources by
encouraging rehearsal and review, which helps students Ivan Pavlov was the first to propose Classical
retain new information in long-term memory. conditioning theory stating that observable behaviors
By embracing cognitive load theory, teachers can design are learned by relating a neutral and a positive stimulus.
learning activities that promote effective learning, For example, in Pavlov's famous experiment his dog
reduce cognitive overload and achieve better student heard a bell (neutral stimulus) and expected food
learning outcomes. (positive stimulus). This learned behavior is referred to
‍ as conditioned response.
‍ According to Classical conditioning theory, learning of

both young and adult learners occur due to association.

John Sweller's cognitive load theory In his classical conditioning theory Pavlov demonstrated
that dogs might be conditioned to salivate after hearing a
bell if bell was repeatedly rung at the same time of

Ivan Pavlov and Classical Conditioning presenting food to dog.

Ivan Pavlov was the original theorist involved in this
type of learning and famously conducted experiments to
demonstrate how it works. He proposed that the
stimulus presented would initially create a neutral
response, but after undergoing repeated processes of
association with another stimulus, such as rewards for
desired responses, the stimuli could eventually become
conditioned responses. As such his theory still has great
importance as a mainstay within educational
settings today.
Urie Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory
In the 1970s, Urie Bronfenbrenner proposed ecological
systems theory which is considered as one of the most
influential explanations concerning the impact of social
environments on human development.
Ecological systems theory states that the environment
one grows up affects every aspect of his life.The
ecological systems theory holds that both young and
adult learners experience a variety of environments all
through their lifespan that may affect their observable
behaviors at different levels.
There are several child development theories put
forwarded by the educational theorists. Some of
these child development theories and theories of
education focus on the fact that people’s personality
keeps on changing during their entire lifetime; whereas
some believe that early experiences play the most
significant role in child development. 5 primary
education theories include cognitive, behaviorism,
constructivism, connectivism and humanism.
Additional educational theories include
experiential, social and transformative. Reggio
Emilia, Montessori and Steiner are some of the most
popular contemporary education theorists highlighting
the advantageous role of play in learning.
‍
Final thoughts and implications for the classroom
In the world of educational theory, the innovative ideas
of Jerome Bruner, Vygotsky, and Piaget have played an
essential role in shaping contemporary pedagogical
practices. Bruner's emphasis on narrative learning and
the spiral curriculum highlights the importance of
building upon prior knowledge and engaging students
through storytelling.
Vygotsky's socio-cultural approach underlines the
significance of culture and social interaction in cognitive
development, advocating for collaborative learning and
scaffolding in the classroom. Meanwhile, Piaget's stages
of cognitive development provide invaluable insights
into how children construct knowledge, helping
educators to tailor their teaching methods to the
evolving needs of their students.
As a teacher, embracing these groundbreaking theories
can unlock new levels of student engagement and
understanding. By integrating Bruner's narrative
learning and spiral curriculum, Vygotsky's emphasis on
social interaction, and Piaget's developmental stages into
your classroom practices, you can create a dynamic
learning environment that fosters critical thinking,
creativity, and intellectual growth.
By challenging conventional approaches and adopting
these novel perspectives, you can empower your
students to reach their full potential and thrive in the
ever-changing landscape of education.