Monday, November 1, 2010

the theory of leaning socially

Today we discussed Social Learning Theory in class.  Guess SLT must be true because I certainly didn't understand the text chapter accurately.  The meaning I constructed was incorrect, and it took Tiffany's explanations and class discussions and group exercises for me to start to construct a more accurate and socially approved understanding of the theory.  I still don't totally understand SLT, but maybe after I sleep on it things will click. 

In class Tiffany used questions to engage the class in trying to develop a class consensus about the definitions of learning, and other SLT principles.  She had us work in small groups to create definitions, then we discussed our discussions in the class.  I doubt we all reached consensus, but apparently we offered enough satisfying definitions that Tiffany moved on other class topics.  Or maybe it was a time issue: she had ground to cover and we'll review this stuff again next week.  There I going constructing.

[I haven't used the verb "to construct" so much outside of working for Habitat for Humanity.]

What's causing me confusion?  Hmmm....
First, figuring out how to apply the reciprocal causation concept.  Specifically, being able to explain/think of examples of the reciprocity between each of the components P-B-E.  Next is how framing cognitive terms in an SLT framework. 

What little I do understand leaves me with the impression that controlling learning -- by either the student or teacher -- is difficult.  There is so much internal and external noise that can impact the desired learning outcome.  How do you control for this as a teacher if you believe in SLT?  Right now I prefer  cognitive learning theory because what little I understand seem to have mechanisms that allow student and teacher to have more control internal and external noise.

Well, I need to move on.  More next time. 

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