Assessment 2 - Write-up of the presentation

Best two theories of  Learning & Teaching

Learning theory is an approach that portrays the whole picture of learning process of students. It is designed for effective teaching and optimum learning. So, it is very important to understand the theories in the teaching field.

Following are the theories our group has chosen for the presentation.

      Behavioral learning theory is defined by theorists like B.F.Skinner, Ivan Pavlov and Edward Thorndike. The overall conclusion of this theory is learning reflects new behavior. Following are the two concepts of Behavioral Learning Theory.

·         Classical conditioning

According to Pavlov after a certain number of repetitions natural reflex respond to an artificial stimulus. When conditioned the process is repeated and after a certain time when unconditioned too the response is reflected through learners’ behavior. So a new behavior is acquired. For instance, at the first bell of the school session at 06:45 students understands that it is time to enter the school. Further, at the recitation of holy Quran in the assembly students know it is time to be silent. Also in each period when the teacher enters the class and greets, the students stand up and greet back the teacher. This is being repeated since the very first period of the students’ school life.

·         Operant Conditioning

According to Skinner, respond to stimulus is reinforced. The reinforcement can be both positive and negative.

For example;

Ø  For grade 2 students in the English class, a spelling competition is held between 2 groups and the winner group students get a badge. This is a positive reinforcement. Because of the badge (reputation) students tried to win.

Ø  Students who don’t have 70% attendance cannot participate in sports competition of the school. This is a negative reinforcement.

Therefore, in reality the Behavioral Learning Theory plays a vital role in making successful lessons and building disciplined students through effective teaching & learning process.

      Social Cognitive Learning Theory

“ In social learning theory Albert Bandura (1977) states behavior is learned from the environment through the process of observational learning.  Children observe the people around them behaving in various ways. This is illustrated during the famous bobo doll experiment (Bandura, 1961).” (McLeod, 2011)

On the contrary to Behavioral Learning Theory, Social Cognitive Learning Theory says learning can happen without reflecting new behavior. Every time when new information is learned it doesn’t demonstrate from students’ behavior. But sometimes learning may result in new behavior. Furthermore, in this theory learning happens through observation (modeling, experiential and experimental learning).

Types of modeling:
Direct Modeling	Modeling from real life of others
Symbolic  Modeling	Copying some parts and modeling
Synthesized Modeling	Taking idea and doing

These are the steps to follow for a successful learning through modeling.

ATTENTION	Giving attention. Internal mental state is important.
RETENTION	Retaining/storing the information.
REPRODUCTION	Using the retained information.
MOTIVATION	Giving/attaining reinforcement and encouragement.

In short, role of a teacher is good modeling, develop self-efficacy and motivate the learners to reproduce what is being learned. So the theory helps to present interesting models, use reinforcement & punishment and promotes practicing advance learners’ skills.

The two theories discussed above are very useful in real classroom situations. Because;

·         The theories are used to solve discipline problems and maintain discipline of the students.

·         They are used to promote learning by using reinforcement & punishment appropriately.

·         The can promote teaching for more understanding of the students rather than practicing rote learning.

·         They can help to develop learners as individuals than information storages.

Reference:

McLeod, S. (2011). Bandura - Social Learning Theory. Retrieved from SimplyPsychology: http://www.simplypsychology.org/bandura.html