Learning Theories

Paper Summary:

In this article the writer discusses Albert Bandura's learning theory and explores its effectiveness. The writer points out that the beliefs of Bandura, that have been shared in front of the American Psychological Association, are based on his model of self-efficacy. A reading / learning project is then discussed, in which the writer notes that instead of teaching cognitive skills to reading students, this project taught strategies for self-efficacy. The writer concludes that the role of self-awareness as an important tool in problem solving has been brought into prominence through the influence of Bandura's social learning theory.

From the Paper:

"To wit, it is known that reading for understanding is a challenging task for some students, but when they have learned the strategy which embraces their highest possible self-efficacy levels - when they go into a reading assignment brimming with confidence - they should be able to comprehend more when the assignment is completed."
"The 23 students in this study (11 girls and 12 boys) were from a "socio-economically challenged corridor" (low-income neighborhoods) of a big city in the southwest U.S.; all of the students were African American and more than 70 percent lived in single-parent households."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Betz, Nancy E. (2004). Contributions of self-efficacy theory to career counseling: a personal Perspective. Career Development Quarterly, 52(4), 340-354. Retrieved June 26, 2006, from Academic Search Premier.
• Fireman, Gary, & Kose, Gary. (2002). The Effect of Self-Observation on Children's Problem Solving. Journal of Genetic Psychology, 163(4), 410-424. Retrieved June 26, 2006, from Academic Search Premier.
• McCrudden, Matthew T.; Perkins, Peggy G.; & Putney, LeAnn G. (2005). Self-efficacy and Interest in the use of reading strategies. Journal of Research in Childhood Education, 20(2), 119-132. Retrieved June 26, 2006, from Academic Search Premier.
• Steese, Stephanie; Dollette, Maya; Phillips, William; Hossfeld, Elizabeth; Matthews, Gail; & Taormina, Giovanna. (2006). Understanding Girls' Circle as an intervention on perceived Social support, body image, self-efficacy, locus of control, and self-esteem. Adolescence, 41(161), 55-75. Retrieved June 26, 2006, from Academic Search Premier.
• Van Slambrouck, Paul. (1999). A Contrarian's View on Human Resilience. Christian Science Monitor, 92(8), 1. Retrieved June 26, 2006, from Academic Search Premier.

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