Social learning

Social learning is when students get together to learn. As our text describes it “Social learning theory is working and connecting with others to construct knowledge”. (Laureate, 2009) I used this method along with the constructivist theory to have my students get into groups and create different artifacts. One of my favorite projects was to have groups of students create a solar cooker and then cook an egg with it. The students had to research designs and then create the cooker. The groups had to create a blog or wiki where they could share information. It was interesting to see how the groups broke up their work. I saw each student bring their talent to bare to create the cooker. This is what social learning is about. Each student can work to their strength to create an artifact. There is a problem with students getting along in the group and having one person do all the work while others do nothing. That is where the teacher comes in. They are more a facilitator when doing social learning.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD