Social Cognitive Theory

Social Cognitive Theory

1. Learning and Motivation

   • learning happens through observing others
     • learning/developing skills increases motivation
       • Learning in Teaching: Directing Attention (observing others) Fine-Tuning Already Learned Behaviours (searching for cues) Strengthening/Weakening Inhibitions (ripple effect) Teaching New Behaviours (modelling)
     • Includes elements of: Attention Retention Production Motivation and Reinforcement
   • dependent on the developmental level of the learner

2. Self-Efficacy

   • Self-Efficacy: beliefs about personal competence
     • context specific - varies depending on subject
     • Expectations: Mastery experiences, Physiological and emotional arousal, Vicarious experiences, and Social persuasion
     • Teachers' Self-Efficacy - belief about their ability to teach

3. Triarchic Reciprocal Causality (reciprocate to shape behaviour)

   • Environment Variables eg. teacher feedback
     • Behaviour
       • Personal Variables: eg. motivation

4. Self-Regulated Learning

   • Self-Starter
     • SRL's are created by providing students with intellectual tools, opportunity to develop self-belief and self-regulation strategies = students can then learn independently throughout their lives.
       • Influences: Knowledge Volition (willpower) Development of Self-Regulation