Learning

If cognition, memory, and intelligence, are

underlying mechanism that allow people to
perceive, process, and apply information
for daily adaptation, then learning is a
natural consequence of these mechanism.
Learning is defined as relatively permanent change in a
person's knowledge or behavior as a result of experience.

This definition connotes three things, First change is long

term;second, the source of change comes from within
the external structures of memory or knowledge of the
individual; third, the change is attributed to the personal
experiences of the learner in his or her environment.
Social cognitive theory is a learning theory developed by the
renowned Stanford psychology professor Albert Bandura. The
theory provides a framework for understanding how people
actively shape and are shaped by their environment. In
particular, the theory details the processes of observational
learning and modeling, and the influence of self-efficacy on the
production of behavior.

Observational Learning

A major component of social cognitive theory is

observational learning. Bandura’s ideas about learning stood
in contrast to those of behaviorists like B.F. Skinner.
According to Skinner, learning could only be achieved by
taking individual action. However, Bandura claimed that
observational learning, through which people observe and
imitate models they encounter in their environment, enables
people to acquire information much more quickly.
Observational learning occurs through a sequence of four processes:

1. Attentional processes account for the information that is selected for observation in the
environment. People might select to observe real-life models or models they encounter via
media.

2. Retention processes involve remembering the observed information so it can be

successfully recalled and reconstructed later.

3. Production processes reconstruct the memories of the observations so what was learned
can be applied in appropriate situations. In many cases, this doesn’t mean the observer will
replicate the observed action exactly, but that they will modify the behavior to produce a
variation that fits the context.

4. Motivational processes determine whether or not an observed behavior is performed based

on whether that behavior was observed to result in desired or adverse outcomes for the
model. If an observed behavior was rewarded, the observer will be more motivated to
reproduce it later. However, if a behavior was punished in some way, the observer would be
less motivated to reproduce it. Thus, social cognitive theory cautions that people don’t
perform every behavior they learn through modeling.
Self-Efficacy

In addition to the information models can convey during observational learning, models can also
increase or decrease the observer’s belief in their self-efficacy to enact observed behaviors and
bring about desired outcomes from those behaviors. When people see others like them succeed,
they also believe they can be capable of succeeding. Thus, models are a source of motivation and
inspiration.

Perceptions of self-efficacy influence people’s choices and beliefs in themselves, including the
goals they choose to pursue and the effort they put into them, how long they’re willing to
persevere in the face of obstacles and setbacks, and the outcomes they expect. Thus, self-
efficacy influences one’s motivations to perform various actions and one's belief in their ability to
do so.

Such beliefs can impact personal growth and change. For example, research has shown that
enhancing self-efficacy beliefs is more likely to result in the improvement of health habits than
the use of fear-based communication. Belief in one’s self-efficacy can be the difference between
whether or not an individual even considers making positive changes in their life.
According to Albert Bandura, Self-efficacy can be developed through the following;

• Mastery experience -accomplishing simple task that lead to more complex tasks.

• Social Modelling - observing an identifiable model who accomplishes the task.

• Improving physical and emotional states - being relaxed and calm before pursuing a
challenging task.

• verbal persuasion - providing encouragement and feedback during the

accomplishment of a challenging task.
apart from self-efficacy, human agency is another valuable principle in the learning process.
people are not product of inner forces or environment; they self regulating and proactive.

• Intentionality- Making an active decision to engage in particular activities.

• Forethought - Anticipating outcomes and consequences of particular actions.

• Self-reactiveness - constructiveness and regulating behavior appropriately.

• Self-Reflectiveness - reflecting and evaluating one's thoughts and behavior..