The author agrees that learners are most influenced in their learning process by behaviors that arte modeled for them. The author uses this belief within the classroom by setting the environment up so that learning is encouraged and desired as an outcome of attendance and participation.
The theory of Bandura most closely fits this author's approach as the classroom is cleared of distractions. This will help the student pay attention. Any unnecessary noise is eliminated and the windows are covered with artwork to allow light in but not distract students to watch outside. The students are taught the lessons using various imagery and other elements to help students retain what they have learned.
They are motivated to learn and retain the information by the reward and incentive system set up. Those who do well on the lessons and the tests are provided choices of extra computer time, ice cream passes for the lunch room or...
Motivation occurs not only by winning such incentives but the students see their peers attain them and are motivated to try doing so too.
CONCLUSION
Just as it takes a village to raise a child it takes many theories to impart education. The development of learning theories has created a blueprint by which teachers can create environments conducive to learning. Each teacher chooses or relates to a particular theorist more clearly than the others and this author believes his teaching approach most closely follows Albert Bandura's beliefs and practices.
References
Bandura (Accessed 10-17-06) (http://www.ship.edu/~cgboeree/bandura.html)
Developmental Learning Theory (Accessed 10-17-06) http://home.okstate.edu/homepages.nsf/toc/EPSY5463C9
Social Learning Theory (a. Bandura) (Accessed 10-17-06) http://tip.psychology.org/bandura.html
