The social learning theory is one that I like to use in my classroom, but only as a supplement to the other learning theories. I truly believe that students can and do learn from each other. Because of this philosophy the use of social learning is important to any classroom. Letting students work in groups and use what they know to help others succeed can only help everyone in the classroom. It helps the struggling students to hear the material from someone other than the teacher. It helps those that are succeeding push their understanding through explaining what they know to others. It also helps the teacher because they can work around the room to make sure the students are on task and help when needed, but the teacher does not have to instruct everyone. This dynamic can be very successful as a warm up to a lesson to see what students already know, as a practice method to help students achieve at a higher level, or as a closing activity to have the students present what they have learned from the lesson. All ways are very beneficial to a classroom, but none of them is a substitute for gaining the basis of the core concept through a lesson.
One of the strategies that I read about in Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works by Pitler was using base groups in the classroom (2007). This idea coupled with Dr. Orey’s idea of a jigsaw method brought a great idea to mind that I would like to use in the classroom (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009). The idea behind a base group is that they are, “long-term groups, created to provide students with support throughout a semester or school year” (Pitler, 2007, p. 140). I like this idea because it really lets the students from a relationship and trust with a small group of students. The trust between these students can foster a great learning environment. However, if the students do not work with other students I believe they are missing out on other opportunities that could benefit their learning. So, I would couple this idea with the jigsaw method that lets the group split up and work with one student from every other group. These mixed groups discuss a topic and then the students go back to the original group and report what they learned (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009). By doing this I am allowing students to work with everyone in the class and experience every learning opportunity available while still keeping the trust that they have for the base group. The base group will be gaining even more knowledge because they trust the member that reports back to give them good information. I really think this combination could help students both socially and academically by letting them experience working with everyone in the class.
Even though I really like this way of working in groups I still do not believe that group work replaces other teaching methods. There is a time and a place for students to help each other learn. There are topics that can be researched and done completely with students helping each other, but there are also topics where this just can’t happen and students need more guidance. As the teacher it is always our responsibility to provide the best combination of all the learning theories to maximize our students’ potential.
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
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Paul it is a fact we can accoplish so much more as a group than by ourselves, (well let me hasten to say, successful groups). We are social beings, and it goes without saying that people need people. Social learning incoperate dwith technology is able to transform our classrooms in remarkable ways. Students working together constructing knowledge that they will later share with the world will experience a boost in selesteem and self worth. We all feel good when we are recognize, in the same way our students are more encourage to perform in school when they create things and gain recognition from peers. Social learning teaches skills needed for the world of work and other social skills necessary to function effectively into society.
ReplyDeleteI concur with Mr. Severino, coopertaive learning can be a powerful follow-up tool for teachers to have students apply attained knowledge but learning core content in these groups leaves serious gaps in the learning curve of the class. I had a conversation with a Math teacher in my school today and she was talking about how her supervisor is requiring that all Math classes, which are in ninety minute blocks, must spend most of their class time in small group work. She is a seasoned teacher and is very concerned about the fact that when the group work stops and the very individualized standardized testing begins there will be no group to support them. They will be left with what they individually learned and if they did not grasp it while other group members did they will be in the dark. I believe that small group activities can be very useful in scenarios where multiple tasks need to be completed and skills already, individually learned and confirmed can be applied but by itself it leaves gaps.
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