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Social Learning

Social learning can be defined as a cognitive process that takes place in a social context, where learning occurs through observation, imitation, and modelling of others’ behaviour. Bandura points out that people can learn by observing others’ actions and their consequences, without necessarily performing those actions themselves.

According to Bandura, social learning involves several key elements:

Observation: Learning occurs by watching how others behave.

Modelling: The learner internalises the observed behaviour and uses it as a guide for their own actions.

Cognitive processing: Observations are stored and processed mentally, meaning that learning can occur without an immediate change in behaviour.

Vicarious reinforcement: The learner learns not only from direct consequences but also by observing the consequences of others’ behaviour.

Social learning in a digital context involves creating opportunities to interact digitally with colleagues, experts, and leaders, enabling social learning among people who are not necessarily in the same geographical location.

Source:
Social Learning Theory, 1977, Albert Bandura

Alternative Meanings:
  • Social Learning

    Social learning can be defined as a cognitive process that occurs in a social context, where learning happens through observation, imitation and modelling of others’ behaviour. According to Albert Bandura, people can learn by observing the actions of others and the consequences of those actions, without necessarily performing the actions themselves.

    Key elements of social learning according to Bandura:

    • Observation: Learning occurs by watching how others behave.

    • Modelling: The learner internalizes the observed behaviour and uses it as a guide for their own actions.

    • Cognitive processing: Observations are stored and mentally processed, meaning learning can occur without an immediate change in behaviour.

    • Vicarious reinforcement: Learning happens not only through one’s own experiences but also by observing the consequences of others’ actions.

    In a digital context, social learning can be facilitated through digital platforms, where employees interact with colleagues, experts and leaders. This enables knowledge sharing and learning among people who may not be physically co-located and can support online collaboration, peer learning and mentoring.

    Source:
    "Social Learning Theory", 1977, Albert Bandura.