Field-independent students are more likely to see parts that make up a large pattern and do better with subjects such as science. Individual preferences in learning environments and conditions also affect student achievement.
II. Bandura's Social Learning Theory contributed a lot to our understanding about the learning process.
Social learning theory is based on a recognition of the importance of observational learning and self-regulated learning. Bandura noted that learning through modeling-directly or vicariously-involves four phases: paying attention, retaining the modeled behavior, reproducing the behavior, and being motivated to repeat the behavior. Bandura proposed that students should be taught to have expectations for their own performances and to reinforce themselves.
Motivation is valued in the process of learning. How can teachers increase students' motivation to learn? Students need the incentive in performing a specific behavior. Intrinsic incentives are aspects of certain tasks that in themselves have enough value to motivate students to do the tasks on their own. Extrinsic incentives include grades, gold stars, and other rewards. Teachers can enhance intrinsic motivation by arousing students' interest, maintaining curiosity, using a variety of presentation modes, and letting students set their own goals. Ways to offer extrinsic incentives include stating clear expectations; giving clear, immediate, and frequent feedback; and increasing the value and availability of rewards. Classroom rewards include praise, which is most effective when it is contingent, specific, and credible. Feedback and grades can serve as incentives. A general method of rewarding effort is to recognize students' improvement over their own past records. Teachers can also use cooperative learning methods that emphasize cooperative goal structures over competitive goal structures and reward effort and improvement.
