Applying Bandura's social cognitive learning theory to classroom management

Bandura's Theory And Classroom Management

This paper presents a detailed examination of classroom management and how it aids in effective learning by the students. Using the principles of Albert Bandura the writer explores classroom management techniques and designs a plan based on Bandura's Social Cognitive Learning Theory. There were three sources used to complete this paper.

Throughout the nation, teachers use their personal characteristics, strengths and experiences to develop learning plans. It is part of what drives parents to request particular teachers for their children year after year. An innovative teacher can take the most mundane lesson and turn it into a fun experience for his or her students however, if he or she does not have good classroom management skills the lesson will be lost (Houseal, 2003). Classroom management allows the classroom to work together as a cohesive group thereby providing an environment conducive to learning new material and reinforcing already learned lessons. Without classroom management skills the teacher will struggle in helping students develop self-management skills as well (Newman, 1999). Well-known educational and social theorist the Social Cognitive Learning Theory, developed by well-known educational and social theorist Albert Bandura provides tools from which effective classroom management can be developed.

Effective Learning Environment

Creating an effective learning environment is essential to effective teaching. I have studied many different theories and I believe that the best blueprint for the development of an effective learning environment is in Albert Bandura's Social Cognitive Learning Theory.

According to Bandura people learn what is modeled for them in all areas of life.

His theory is founded in the belief that people learn from watching the behavior of others as well as observing the social consequences of those behaviors.

Within that learning system is the concept of reciprocal determinism. RD is a concept that believes personal factors, and behavior mingled with environment all work together for an outcome. It allows for the idea that a person has control over behavior in any given moment and that the behavior generates a social consequence.

Observational learning

Bandura's theory requires observational learning. To that end four major steps have been identified to create an observational learning experience. They are Attention: Retention: Production and Motivation. My classroom management plan envelopes and includes all four steps so that the students will begin to learn self-direction in the area of self-discipline so that they can each serve as a role model for other students, as well as learn from their own observations.

Attention: One cannot get a student to observe and learn from that observation without first knowing the student is paying attention.

In my classroom there will be several ways that I will be able to ascertain whether I have the students' attention and if not I will be able to get their attention.

The most common attention tool I will use will be a series of claps with my hands. Students will be instructed from the beginning of the year that when they hear those claps they are to stop what they are doing and repeat the series that they hear.

This will work in two ways when it comes to effective classroom management. It will insure that I have the student's attention and it will also help them to develop observation skills as they listen to the series of claps so that they can repeat it back to me as a group.

If the noise level is too loud to use the series of claps I will use the light switch method to gain attention. I will flick the lights off and on three times and the students will know they are to stop what they are doing immediately and turn their attention toward me.

If any student ignores the attention directive of hand claps or light flickering that student will be asked to sit out for the first five minutes of the next recess.

This will allow the other students to observe by social consequence what will happen if they fail to exercise prudent classroom management skills (Horner, 2001).

Another important aspect of observational learning is retention. For effective classroom management to take place it is important the students understand and retain the few classroom management rules that will be set out in the beginning of the year.

Raise hand to speak

Treat others with respect

Motivation

It is important to the theory of observational learning that motivation take place. This will help students remember to practice their classroom management skills because it will encourage them to remember them often. Motivation for the purpose of effective classroom management will come in the way of earned rewards. I will set up a system where each week each student has the opportunity to earn points by participating in effective classroom management by managing his or her own behaviors and helping their peers manage their behavior as well.

The points will be provided on a computer data base and students can save them to earn larger rewards or spend them weekly to earn the smaller rewards. Rewards will be tied to the classroom and include things such as extra computer time, a homework free pass, a lunchroom desert and the large reward will be the ability to teach with me for a day.

Throughout this program of effective classroom management that will be based in observational learning and the students will begin to self-regulate their own management for the purpose of creating an effective learning environment.

Reciprocal Determinism

Bandura's theory allows that people learn through observation and that the consequences of behaviors may shape future behaviors. He also believed that a person's behavior can be influenced through environmental conditions or personal factors.

According to his theory of reciprocal determinism I agree with the concept that a person's behavior can impact the environment. This is why I will set up the classroom management program in such a way that those who are leading the way will serve as role models for those who are having a more difficult time with self-regulation.

A also believe that this program will induce the majority of students to comply and the few that have a difficult time with rules and boundaries will be inclined to change their behaviors based on the environment that a well managed classroom provides.