Analysis of Social Cognitive Theory Applied in the Classroom
This week's video featured three teachers who use modeling as a way to engage learners and facilitate learning. As a result, their students are highly motivated to learn and achieve and have developed a genuine desire to read and an appreciation of books and reading. Review the notes that you took while viewing the video and consider how various aspects of social cognitive theory resulted in high, sustainable levels of motivation for both the students and teachers in these classrooms. Then, determine how various aspects of social cognitive theory (e.g., modeling, ZPD, motivational processes, self-efficacy, goal setting, self-regulation, and volition) are, or can be, incorporated into this course and/or in your online learning experiences in general.
By Wednesday:
Post a summary of your analysis of the video, including examples that illustrate applications of social cognitive theory. Then suggest how social cognitive theory is evident in this course experience or in your online learning experiences in general.
Read a selection of your colleagues' postings. As you read their responses, note those to which you would like to respond with advice, questions, comments, and/or encouragement.
By Sunday:
Respond to two or more of your colleagues' postings in any of the following ways:
Build on something your colleague said.
Explain why and how you see things differently.
Ask a probing or clarifying question.
Share an insight from having read your colleague's posting.
Offer and support an opinion.
Validate an idea with your own experience.
Expand on your colleague's posting.
Ask for evidence that supports the posting.
Return to this Discussion in a few days to read the responses to your initial posting. Reflect on what you learned in this activity and/or insights you gained this week.
Resources to Use
Course Text: Motivation in Education: Theory, Research and Applications
Chapter 3, "Attribution Theory"
Media
Video: Laureate Education (Producer). (2011). Motivation and learning: Achievement motivation and attribution theory [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu
Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 15 minutes.
In this program, Dr. Bernard Weiner discusses the study of attribution theory as a key approach to understanding achievement motivation.
Accessible player
Multimedia: Interactive Media: "Motivational Dimensions of Attributions"
Use this interactive self-check quiz to test your understanding of attribution theory.
Optional Resources
Article: Weiner, B. (n.d.). TIP: Theories: Attribution theory. Retrieved April 6, 2011 from http://www.instructionaldesign.org/theories/attribution-theory.html
Course Media: vooktv. (2010, June 11). Carol Dweck: The effect of praise on mindsets. [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTXrV0_3UjY&feature=relmfu.