Social Learning Theory

According to Albert Bandura and his Social Learning Theory, as social creatures, human beings rely on emotional nourishment. Social interaction is a human need and schools provide the setting that can be most influential for teaching social interaction and nourishing the needs of emotional attachment. Teachers help develop interpersonal communication skills with students at a very young age. Additionally, many teachers model behaviors that are positive. Students also witness around the school yard many demonstrations that are not considered appropriate social behavior. In both cases, students are learning how to socially interact with their world. 

Social interactions between teacher and student is, in effect, the fundamental basis for teaching. In order to provide a strong foundation for students it becomes essential to foster the development of strong authentic teacher-student relationships through trust and caring. With that, the connection needs to be perceived as caring by both the student and teacher. As is accepted, what is perceived is reality when relationships are concerned. Though the perception may not be the truth, it is real to the perceiving individual. 

The concept of building robust teacher-student relationship connections is not secluded to the classroom setting. It is equally significant in all teaching, counseling, and administrative situations. In one relationship study of teachers and students it was found that a positive school experience is a contributing factor to student academic success. Moreover, a positive relationship can overcome negativity brought about by a poor environment at home, basically reversing the impact. That should be enough alone for every educator to focus on building authentic relationships. Then impact will make a difference.

Until next time...