Exploring the Impact of Social Learning Theory: A Residence Hall Manager's Perspective

Social Learning can be an important tool to get students to exhibit certain behaviors. On the other hand, if those behaviors are not productive that’s where the problems comes into play. Social Learning suggests that ‘learning occurs because people observe the consequences of other people's behaviors.’ (Cherry, 2022).

In my position as a Residence Hall Manager, I work with over 120 students each day in my residence hall. These students are working, living, and learning from each other. Just about every day I will hear student interactions that go like this in my lobby:

College Students Chatting 1 by Kyra DeLoach via Canva

Residents may not be roommates, but they are often classmates and tend to gauge how their peers are doing based on their choices. The student on the left may not want to go to class, so they’re asking the one on the right what they’re going to do. After observing this behavior, based on their decision they may or may not also attend class.

I think this is an example of how Social Learning can be damaging, because every student's situation is different. Modeling the behavior - positive or negative may not be the best choice for that student. If the student on the right is succeeding, the one on the left will NOT see their consequences.

College Students Chatting 2 by Kyra DeLoach via Canva

Attendance is important, but in most classrooms at my institution it is not part of the students' grade. This encourages students to not attend class, which depending on their progress can be detrimental to their grade. In the graphic above, the student on the right may be able to get away with missing a class, while the student on the left should really attend if they are behind.

This example highlights how the dynamics of social learning theory can vary. The consequences of choices based on their peers' decisions can vary depending on their progress. Social learning can be compelling and create change; however, it is not successful if it doesn’t address the specific needs of that student. This has been something that has affected my position as I am someone who is supposed to encourage students to attend class and finish strong, when my impact is not as powerful as a peers.

On the other hand, living and learning with others from different backgrounds can have an extraordinary and positive impact. Leaving home can be stressful, and when you're put in a room with strangers it can be intimidating. However, students who are willing to learn from others can grow so much more. An example would be when I attended college, I recall my roommates would often ask me "Where did you hear that from?" when I mentioned something. I would always answer, as an only child to a single mother, "My mom told me." I learned so much, mostly when my mom had stretched the truth to protect me. Living with three other women from different backgrounds shaped me as a person immensely.

Whether positive or negative, Social Learning can be effective. Recognizing your background, experiences, and situation is most important to make sure the impact is the best fit for you. What are your opinions on Social Learning? How does it affect the work you do? Let's keep the conversation going! I encourage reflection and comments by email or follow me on Twitter @kdeloachMSU.  References Cherry, K. (2022, October 14). How social learning theory works. verywell mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/social-learning-theory-2795074