SOCIAL

LEARNING
THEORY
Lea Marielle Cortez Albert Bandura
Jud Pandaan
Charlotte Gabao
Aubrey Prudencio
Albert Bandura
• He is known as the father of cognitive
theory.
• He is known for his Bobo Doll
Experiment.
 What is Social Learning Theory?

❖Social learning theory, proposed by Albert Bandura,

emphasizes the importance of observing, modelling,
and imitating the behaviors, attitudes, and emotional
reactions of others. Social learning theory considers
how both environmental and cognitive factors interact
to influence human learning and behavior.
Three Core Concepts

1.Observational Learning
2.Intrinsic Reinforcement
3.Learning Independent or Behavior
Change
 1.Observational Learning

❖Bobo Doll Experiment

 1.Observational Learning
Three basic models of observational learning:
1.Live Model which involves an actual individual demonstrating or
acting out a behavior.
2.Symbolic Model which involves real or fictional characters displaying
behaviors in books, films, television programs, or online media.
3.Verbal Instructional Model which involves descriptions and
explanations of a behavior.
 2. Intrinsic Reinforcement

❖Bandura noted that external, environmental

reinforcement was not the only factor to influence
learning and behavior. He described intrinsic
reinforcement as a form of internal reward, such as
pride, satisfaction, and a sense of accomplishment. 
 2. Intrinsic Reinforcement

Example:
• If you’re into running, you will be happy if you run faster and
longer this morning as compared to yesterday morning. Your
motivation to run here is intrinsic.

• If you’re an athlete running to train yourself to for a

competition, the motivation is external.
 3. Learning Or Behavior Change

❖ Learning Occurs Through:

• Observation
• Imitation
• Modelling (or Learning in other words)

❖ Learning doesn’t necessarily come only when someone’s

behavior is permanently changed.
 Role of Modeling
❖The role of modeling serves as a guide for action. By
considering these steps, an individual can successfully
make the behavior model of someone else:
Modeling Process
 Modeling Process
•Attention
We must pay attention to the model. Our attention increases when behavior is more striking, different, or
prestigious, and when the model is more similar to ourselves.
•Retention
We must be able to remember the observed behavior; this can be increased through rehearsal.
•Reproduction
We must be capable of replicating the behavior just observed. Note that a novice may not be
developmentally ready to reproduce the action.
•Motivation
We must be motivated to demonstrate what we have learned. This can be influenced by both 
reinforcement and punishment.
 Application
Attention:
Students enjoy novel or different concepts and scenarios.
This newness captures the imagination. Social contexts
support the idea of engaging with the new. 

Example:
•Students can share examples from their own life via soundbites, images and video.
•Share YouTube clips that link to the concepts being explored.
 Application
Retention
Retention is seen when the behavior modelled is recalled.
Normally this takes place when students are placed in similar
situations to when the behavior was first learnt. This is because
the scenario and the reactions align to the moment it was first
witnessed.
Example:
Use your online classroom to easily recreate familiar scenarios multiple times, so that
identification and retention can take place. Different examples from a variety of resources
allows students to connect with an example that relates to them.
 Application
Reproduction
Reproduction refers to behavior that is repeated.
Although it can often be done easily, mental and
physical rehearsal will improve the responses.

Example:
•Upload voice recordings to break down and explain exemplars for students who prefer
spoken explanations.
 Application
Motivation
Students are motivated by the outcome of the behavior. A good
response from others will motivate them to learn, repeat and
reproduce. Similarly, they will avoid behavior if the outcome is
unfavorable.

Example:
Record and store SMART goals that are identified and set together with the
student in the student’s online portfolio, allowing for reference and continuous
evaluation.
 Strength:
Change in Environment, Change in the Child
One the primary strengths of this theory is its flexibility to explain differences in
a child's behavior or learning. The environmental or societal aspect of social
learning theory says that children learn in a social context. This reinforces the
idea that when there is a change in the child's environment, the child's
behavior may change.

Experiment:
A child may have trouble following directions in a relaxed home environment,
but have no problems with authority in a stricter school setting.
 Strength:
Different Ways of Learning
One of its strengths is that there are multiple modes of
learning. Bandura himself noted that individuals can learn
through direct experiences or through observation. 

Experiment:
A child can learn the social norms of polite communication -- such as give and
take within a conversation -- by actually talking with others or by watching older
children and adults talk to each other.
 Weakness
What About Accountability?

This theory is weak when it comes to the child's accountability for his own
actions. Putting the focus on how setting influences behavior places more
weight on the people and community that the child is part of, and not enough
weight on how the child handles and processes new information. It neglects the
child's accountability and may go too far in stating that society directs how the
individual behaves and acts.
 Summary
Social Learning Theory implies
that people imitate the behavior of
a model they observe in their
environment, especially if that
behavior is reinforced in others.