Social Learning Theory Experience

Cooperative learning, the concept I hold close to my heart because I find true value in students helping each other instead of relying on the teacher for all the answers. Through respectful communication, students begin to develop a higher sense of self reliance in which they take charge of their own education if they are the ones seeking the answers. In correlation, the social learning theory, has demonstrated that “meaningful learning occurs when individuals are engaged in social activities” (Orey, 2001). Let us define social activity in context in the arena of education, more specifically the classroom environment. Since there is no arguing that cooperative learning clearly correlates to the social learning theory, then let’s look at the instructional tools which utilize cooperative learning embedded with technology.

I am no one to brag, but I have been using cooperative learning, which I adapted for the classroom from my years as a Physical Education teacher. These included cooperative and initiative challenges as well as team building and trust activities, all required working in groups and respectful communication was the key to success. As a result of those years of observing the social dynamics and interaction between the students, I began to use cooperative learning for more than just P. E. With my transition to strictly ESL students, at first, I had no use for it unless at the start of the semester as ice breakers. With time and practice I began to incorporate my activities into instructional tools for learning English. For example, one cooperative challenge using a long piece of webbing where students in groups are to create different geometric shapes I call out. Students are asked to work together only in English to solve any issues in making their shapes. The result is laughter and communication as they practice their English vocabulary skills as a group. These types of activities still continue, yet what also developed was the incorporation of technology tools like PowerPoint, Webquest, Blogs, and VoiceThread. I have been using these cooperative learning instructional tools over the past few using with an evolution of use to each one. Moreover, with such a powerful influence social network sites like Facebook and Twitter has had over the public, I am now considering them as a platforms to further push the use of cooperative learning in my content area.

Lastly, my experience allowing "students [to] actively engage in constructing artifacts and conversing with others" either through group activity or using web resources to improve their English skills has been a strong instruction strategy to engage students in a social context (Laureate Education, Inc., 2008). You have to admit we are social creatures and play off each other, influencing one’s decisions and opinions. In recognizing the potential for its use in education should no longer be ignored or blocked. Technology has given us the ability to extend our reach to communicate with others beyond the classroom walls. Let us take advantage of it.