Mini Case Study 1

Week Two Assignment 2.2

Mini Case Study

National University
SPD604 Psychological Foundations of Education
Professor Glynn

Erika Medina
June 18, 2017
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Introduction

Albert Bandura’s social learning theory focuses on “cues on behavior and on

internal mental processes, emphasizing the effects of thought on action and action on

thought” (Slavin, 2014). Bandura studied the Skinnerian emphasis that mainly dealt with

behavior. His social learning theory studied modeling and observational learning. His

theory of includes studies of modeling, which is the imitation of others, and vicarious

experience which is learning from others success or failures. Bandura noted that

learning through modeling directly or vicariously, involves four phases: paying attention,

retaining, the modeled behavior, reproducing the behavior, and being motivated to repeat

the behavior. Social learning theory is based on recognition of the importance of

observational learning and self-regulated learning.

How does this theory help us understand Annie?

Annie is commenting that can’t do “this writing stuff” and that she is not a good

student. She also followed up with subjects she does enjoy which in this case are PE or

art. She also labels herself not a good student. A lot of times when students state they do

not want to do something it is because they either do not know how or have failed before.

I think Annie could be dwelling on a past experience in which she did not do well in

Language Arts, particularly writing. She may have always experienced difficulty with it

and has not been very successful therefore labeling herself “not a good student”.

Self-Efficiency

Bandura has defined self-efficacy as one's belief in one's ability to succeed in

specific situations or accomplish a task. One's sense of self-efficacycan play a major role

in how one approaches goals, tasks, and challenges. Annie’s beliefs in her ability to write
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I would have lead her to feel that she is not good enough. Since she believes she can not

write she has shut down from even trying and has withdrawn in class.

Apply Social Cognitive Theory

In order for Annie to become more confident in her writing I would model the

desired attitude I would want her to have toward writing. I would show enthusiasm and

have the class discuss topics together before the writing process so they would feel more

confident. Also have class leaders who can model or give examples of writing, as well as

pair those students who are having difficulty with students who are doing well. I would

correct their work and give them corrections and suggestions. I would then give them the

opportunity to fix their paper and turn it in again. This way they feel like they have more

opportunities but are learning from their own mistakes. Most importantly I would give

them praise and acknowledgment when they do a good job.

Self- Regulation

“Bandura hypothesized that people observe their own behavior, judge it against

their own standards, and reinforce or punish themselves” (Slavin, 2014). In Annie’s case

she is judging herself from past experiences with writing and is not giving herself another

chance. Teachers must identify the skills students will need to use a particular

strategy, assess whether the students possess these skills, and help students develop the

necessary skills (e.g., vocabulary) they may need to learn the academic and self-

regulation strategy. Self-regulation strategies are integrated by having students think

about whether their performance is adversely affected by any negative thoughts or

perceptions; the teacher may then help them to demystify these perceptions.

(LD@school, 2017). Self-regulation skills can also be emphasized by placing emphasis

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on effort in order to increase student motivation and the development of positive thoughts

and perceptions. The students should also be taught to set goals for learning the strategy,

using it, and then continuing to use the strategy. It is also a good idea to track Annie’s

progress by comparing her new writing to her new writing so she can see how much she

is progressing.

Typical/Atypical behavior/ Developmental Issues

Some students may be outside of the normal development or what is expected this

is because all students are different so they learn at their own pace. There is usually an

expected range of development that children are compared to. It is always good to give

great care in determining whether a behavior is simply a personality trait or whether it is

a developmental concern.

Conclusion

It is important that as teachers we pay attention to our students as individuals and

what their needs may be. Not all students learn the same way or at the same pace. There

will be many instances where students shy away from certain activities. We need to find

ways to motivate and engage them. The more we know our students the better we can

plan our lessons to make them fun and educational for all students. In cases like Annie

we need to find her weakness and work with her, set goals, give examples, but most

important support, encourage and always praise her accomplishments.

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References

Slavin, R. (2014). Educational Psychology Theory and Practice, 11th ed. Upper Saddle

River, NJ: Pearson

"Combining Writing and Self-Regulation Strategies: The SRSD Approach." LD@school.

N.p., 31 Jan. 2017. Web. 19 June 2017.