Abstract
The paper explains that the difference between instructional theory and learning theory is that instructional theory focuses on the elements of the instruction process, while learning theory focuses on the manner in which students learn. The paper discusses however, how instructional and learning theory connect to one another within the classroom because it is instruction that prompts learning and learning styles that determine how instruction is offered to the students. Additionally, the paper discusses how instruction must motivate the learner to transfer the knowledge that is acquired to other parts of learning within the subject area or throughout the curriculum.

From the Paper
"The difference between instructional theory and learning theory is that instructional theory focuses on the elements of the instruction process, while learning theory focuses on the manner in which students learn. Instructional and learning theory, however, do connect to one another within the classroom because it is instruction that prompts learning and learning styles that determine how instruction is offered to the students. Additionally, instruction must motivate the learner to transfer the knowledge that is acquired to other parts of learning within the subject area or throughout the curriculum."

Tags:education, learning, theory

Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts cognitive development and learning theory. The paper first describes the concepts of each theory. Then the paper examines how the two theories differ in their orientation and focus. Finally, the paper discusses ways in which the two theories overlap.

From the Paper
"This research paper presents a comparison of cognitive development and learning theory. Articles from recent professional literature pertaining to the two theories are reviewed and findings related to the theories..."

Tags:Cognitive, Learning, Theory

Abstract
A discussion of the social cognitive learning theory.

From the Paper
"An underlying assumption in social cognitive learning theory is that not all learning can be traced to direct reinforcement. Instead, this theory asserts that people can also learn through observation. In ..., Alfred Bandura pioneered social cognitive learning theory in the Bobo Doll experiment. In this experiment, children aged ... to ... years were taken into a room with highly entertaining toys and told they could only play with these. Meanwhile, an experimenter's accomplice was seated at another table in the room and had before him the..."

Tags:social cognitive learning theory, motivation

Abstract
The paper explains Allen Tough's theory of the self-directed learning among ordinary adult learners. The paper evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of the theory and shows how this theory, with its important quality of life concepts, can be used to create a more positive learning environment. The paper then discusses how this theory can be applied to improve the individual learning of followers and how a leader could apply this theory to create a better learning organization.

Outline:
A Description of the Learning Theory and How it is Viewed by Researchers and Practitioners
Identify the Strengths and Weaknesses of the Theory
How this Theory Can be Used to Create a More Positive Learning Environment in Your Organization
How this Theory can be Applied to Improve the Individual Learning of Followers
How You as a Leader can Apply this Theory to Create a Better Learning Organization

From the Paper
"Allen Tough's learning theory is based on a series of surveys and interviews he conducted during the late 1960s and early 1970s at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education in Canada in an effort to provide an empirical basis to improve on the anecdotal evidence of self-directed learning among ordinary adult learners (Jarvis, Holford & Griffin, 2003). Based on these interviews, Tough developed a learning theory that indicated adults were more self-directed as learners than teachers gave them credit for being; in addition, Tough maintained that personal recognition and satisfaction were important motivators of such adult learning and that teachers of adult learners needed to take such tendencies into account in their curriculum development efforts (Grasha, 1990)."

Tags:self-directed, motivation, knowledge

Abstract
This paper discusses how Albert Bandura's social learning theory represents one of the most important additions to the social sciences and an understanding of human behavior. Built on the foundation of early behaviorists, Bandura's theory discards the one size fits all attitude to human motivation that characterized its early roots. The paper discusses Bandura's theories and the importance of them to modern social sciences. It supports the thesis that social learning theory is important in the field of social work today and the concept that a social worker must keep the tenets of social learning theory at the forefront of client interactions in order to be effective.

Outline:
Key Tenets of Social Learning Theory
Albert Bandura, A Biography
Social Learning and Social Work

From the Paper
"Social learning theory stemmed from the works of early behaviorists such as Pavlov, Watson, and Skinner ("Social Learning Theory", 2008). Albert Bandura based his work on theories by Julian Rotter, which took into account the cognitive factors of human learning. These factors included the expectations that a person would have about an outcome and the importance that they placed on these outcomes ("Social Learning Theory", 2008). Bandura expanded on these theories to include the reciprocal nature of our thoughts and actions on the environment, and on the environment on our thoughts and actions ("Social Learning Theory", 2008). This serves as the basic tenet of Bandura's Social Learning Theory. "

Tags:human, cognitive, motivation

Abstract
The paper provides an overview of the social learning theory and the major theorists that have influenced the development and acceptance of this perspective. The paper includes a literature review and a discussion of the various critiques of this theory. The paper reaches the conclusion that social learning theory has been instrumental in creating a more productive working and learning environment, however, the debate about the pros and cons of this theory continue and further research needs to be undertaken to explore how these theories and methods affect the classroom and teaching situation.

Outline:
Introduction
Overview of Theory and its Components
Literature Overview and Synthesis
Critiques of Social Learning Theory
Conclusion

From the Paper
"In essence social learning theory is a theoretical stance that is taken by a broad range of professionals and disciplines, which includes education, sociology and psychology. It has a number of core concepts that are generally adhered to. These can be summarized as follows. The first is that the most important determining factors in all human behavior are learned. In this regard social learning theorists reply to the argument that the genetic and biological factors are important in learning by stating that they are not the main determining factors in the learning process. As Wiener (1980) states, social learning theory posits the view that, "Genetic and biological factors merely set limits on possible learning experiences" (Weiner, 1980, p. 229).
"A second crucial tenet of social learning theory is that behavior is situationally specific. This means in effect that, "...people behave as they do in response to the demands and characteristics of the particular situation that they are in at the moment" (Weiner, 1980, p. 229). Furthermore, this stance also assumes that the most important influences on behavior and on learning are to be found in the world or environment external to the individual. This is of course a controversial issue and the debate about external as opposed to internal or psychological influences and motivations in learning will be an aspect that will be referred to in the following sections. Another central criterion of this theoretical stance is that a "...theory of motivation should use few constructs, make a minimum number of inferences, and be guided by experimental data" (Weiner, 1980, p. 229)."

Tags:classroom, education, teaching, Bandura

Abstract
The writer relates that that the two most significant influences on her learning theory development include the ideas behind Albert Bandura and the elements of experiential learning. The writer explains that by combining these two approaches to learning, students that have different learning abilities will all be able to participate and gain knowledge. The writer explains that the modeling of organized behavior on her part will help the students figure out how to become more organized and efficient students. The writer concludes that as she moves into her teaching career, she will continue to evaluate and update her learning theory.

Outline:
Introduction
Albert Bandura
Experiential Learning Theory
Conclusion

From the Paper
"When I first decided to become a teacher I made the decision because I loved to learn and I loved helping others learn as well. When I entered high school I knew that my life goal was to become a teacher and be able to walk into a classroom every day and help others move ahead in their personal quest for education. I was not sure what grade level I wanted to teach but thought I would probably enjoy the elementary years the most. When I got to college I focused on elementary education and thought because it had been a life long dream that I had everything it took and that all I needed was the teaching credential. Boy did I have a lot to learn! As I made my way through the various required classes I have gained more respect than ever before for those teachers who helped educated me along the way."

Tags:experiential, education, Bandura

Abstract
This paper discusses school shootings that have rocked the nation, focusing on the case of Luke Woodham at his violent acts in October of 1998. This case is used as an example of criminal acts that are conducted by children and the case is examined through social learning theory. The foundations of social learning theory are, therefore, explored, and arguments against this theory in relation to school shootings are also discussed. Furthermore, the paper examines how social learning theory can be used as a predictor of school violence and the prevention techniques that have been offered and that must be implemented in order to address the issue.

From the Paper
"On October 1, 1997 before Luke Woodham left his Pearl, Mississippi home, he took a knife and killed his mother, after beating her severely ("Youth", 1998, para. 2). Woodham then armed himself with guns and left the house for school (Ramsland, 2007). Once there he located his former girlfriend, Christina Menefee, 16, who had broken up with him one year earlier, and shot her and her friend, Lydia Dew, 17 ("Teen", 1998, sec. 1). Other students that were within range also became victims of his firearm assault. Seven of these students were shot and following this episode of the event, Woodham made the decision to replenish his ammunition and return to fire on additional students. In the parking lot Woodham had placed another gun in his car and he proceeded to retrieve it. When he did the assistant principal of the school confronted and "disarmed him" (Ramsland, 2007)."

Tags:criminal, justice, system

Abstract
This paper discusses school shootings in America, focusing on the case of Luke Woodham and his violent acts in October of 1998. The paper explains that this case is used as an example of criminal acts that are conducted by children and the case is examined through social learning theory. The paper explores the foundations of social learning theory and arguments against this theory in relation to school shootings are also discussed. Furthermore, the paper examines how social learning theory can be used as a predictor of school violence and then discusses the prevention techniques that have been offered and that must be implemented in order to address the issue. In conclusion, the paper shows that for the criminal justice system and society as whole it is evident that the only answer to school shootings and violence is to begin to work together in a manner that allows for preventative measures to be taken and for children to once again have faith that the adults who are supposed to protect them will and that the world that is supposed to be supportive of them will function to accomplish that mission.

Outline:
Abstract
Etiology
Prediction and Prevention
Recommended Criminal Justice Response
Conclusion

From the Paper
"In the case of Woodham and the murders that occurred in Mississippi, it is evident that the conditions described through social learning theory existed and that these conditions contributed to the actions taken by the juvenile. For example, early in his life Woodham became engrossed in the philosophy used by Hitler. It was not difficult for Woodham to witness the results of Hitler's philosophies, as those results are consistently present in the social order as a matter of social history. Woodham was capable of retaining these events because they were constantly reinforced through exposure to the ideas discussed in relation to Hitler through the people that he knew and the studies that he personally conducted."

Tags:criminal, juvenile, justice, system, school, violence, teen, shooting

Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses school shootings in the U.S., focusing on the case of Luke Woodham at his violent acts in October of 1998. The writer explains that this case is used as an example of criminal acts that are conducted by children and the case is examined through social learning theory. The foundations of social learning theory are therefore explored and arguments against this theory in relation to school shootings are also discussed. Furthermore, the paper examines how social learning theory can be used as a predictor of school violence and the prevention techniques that have been offered and that must be implemented in order to address the issue. Finally, the response of the criminal justice system to school shootings is explored and conclusions are drawn based on the evidence. The writer concludes that the paper is significant because it examines a serious social issue that affects all members of the social order.

Outline:
Abstract
Etiology
Prediction and Prevention
Recommended Criminal Justice Response
Conclusion

From the Paper
"These reinforcements may occur through media, social group beliefs or through philosophies shared by others within the home. Reinforcements suggest that acts of aggression are acceptable, which leads to support for the motivation in committing criminal activity.
"Although it may be suggested by some within the social order that social learning theory can be used as a tool to blame television, movies or video games on the violent acts that are committed by youth, those applying the theory fail to see the complete cycle of events that lead to school shootings. Furthermore, it must be understood that this cycle of events that are discussed in social learning theory occur over an extended period of time, building to the moment of action. Therefore, social learning theory has the ability of not only identifying children that have been negatively impacted by their environment, but also using the information known regarding what affects children negatively to change their lives before violence occurs."

Tags:Luke, Woodham, gun, kill, assault, aggression