The Components Of The Social Cognitive Learning Theory

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Albert Bandura coined the social cognitive theory in the 1960s. This theory is an excellent learning model given that it incorporates both the social aspects and cognitive aspects of the process. In essence, it has both the informal and formal elements of learning that complement each other for an incredible learning process. In core, Bandura in 1986 asserted that learning occurs in a social set-up consisting of a reciprocal and dynamic interaction between the learner, the environment and behavior (Denler, Wolters, & Benzon 2014). The theory also puts into consideration how people maintain or acquire new behavior in the social context that allows them to interact with other people. Apparently, this theory puts into account a person’s past experiences that determine one’s expectations and reinforcements. It is these expectancies and reinforcements that determine whether a person will participate in a given activity/behavior or not. Denler, Wolters, & Benzon (2014) underscore that the social cognitive learning theory seeks to explain how people modify behavior through reinforcement and control to achieve self and goal-directed form of conduct that can be maintained over time. This goal, according to the social cognitive learning theory, can be explained by its six major components. The first construct is the reciprocal determinism which asserts that a person, with a set of past and learned experiences, has interactions within an external social context leading to a given

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