Social Learning

Social learning is the primary way people construct meaning. In my video and film classes this is especially true, but it transcends to other subjects as well. Much like Ms. Casselman (the math teacher in Dr. Orey’s video on Social Learning Theories) I require my students to ask each other questions before asking me. My rule is “ask three, then me.” This is not because I get lazy or frustrated; it is because my students have to collaborate to be successful in the class, and many of them actually enjoy helping each other out. Some positive peer pressure often arises in this situation as well; some students react with disdain when someone does not know how to do something that I demonstrated multiple times.

I have also found that students learn how to be more efficient and effective in creating their videos by interacting with other students. I can lecture them on production tips over and over and they do not follow my advice, but as soon as they ask a peer how they did something the same advice sticks. I have found that competition between groups when creating videos leads to more comprehension of lessons and better quality work, but I would like to create a more cooperative learning environment between groups. “In this setting, not only is the group assessed as a whole, but students are also individually accountable for their work.” (Palmer, G., Peters, R., & Streetman, R., 2008)

One technological tool I would like to use for a more cooperative learning environment is sharing videos via Facebook. The social networking aspect would expose students’ videos to a much wider audience, but they would also be able to leave insights and comments on each others’ videos. Each individual would have different suggestions and viewpoints on videos, and their input could be saved for later reference. Unfortunately, Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, SchoolTube, and pretty much anything like them are blocked at my school, so this collaboration is only available from home for the students.

RC