Understanding Observational Learning: Definition, Stages and Benefits

Observational learning is a method of learning where new knowledge is acquired by observing and imitating someone.

In this approach, learning is acquired by watching the behaviour, speech, and movements of others.

In many fields, many people do not understand how to speak or how to treat others; in this case, they learn by watching others.

As a result, people gain knowledge about respect and honour for others and understand who they should treat and how to treat them.

Let us explore its meaning, key concepts, and how it works in detail.

What is observational learning?

Observational learning refers to the method of learning by observing someone and noticing something. In this learning method, learners learn how to behave with others by observing them.

In this kind of learning, human beings learn social behaviour; therefore, it is sometimes called social learning by observing others. This form of learning is called modelling. Children especially learn from the behaviour and speech of others, which helps a lot in their growth.

4 key principles of observational learning

Children learn and imitate behaviour that they have observed in other people. Here are some key principles of this learning.

1. Attention

People can’t learn if they don’t focus on the task. Attention includes modelled events such as distinctiveness, affective valence, complexity, prevalence, functional value and observer characteristics.

This is one of the important steps of observational learning. Students will be able to learn better if they observe anything very carefully.

If a student in class pays individual attention to the teacher’s lecture, they will understand the subject better.

2. Retention

People learn by internalising information in their memories. They recall that information later when required to respond to a situation that is similar to the situation in which they first learned the information.

It includes symbolic coding, cognitive organisation, symbolic rehearsal, motor rehearsal, etc.

3. Reproduction

People reproduce previously learned information, i.e. behaviour, skills and knowledge, when required. It includes physical capabilities, self-observation of reproduction, accuracy of feedback, etc.

4. Motivation

Albert Bandura stated that in order for observational learning to be successful, we have to be motivated to imitate the behaviour that has been modelled.

Children often watch others following discipline and try to follow the same. In a simple way, observation motivates them to implement good habits.

Importance of observational learning in education

Let’s understand what the importance of observational learning in education is:

1. Promotes social and emotional learning

Through observational learning, one achieves a lot in social learning. Here, one acquires knowledge by mixing with different people in society, talking to them, and observing their behaviour. A student acquires knowledge by imitating a teacher.

Students learn from how the teacher behaves when they come to school or college. By observing the behaviour of different people in society, one acquires knowledge about how to keep oneself emotionally well.

2. Faster skill acquisition

In this education system, one can easily learn by imitating someone. Students here can learn easily by watching society, seniors and teachers and following them.

In this process, the role of parents is also important because students grow up watching the behaviour and speech of their parents, so it remains in their minds.

3. Builds confidence through modelling

This method of education is very beneficial for students. Since the teachers have shown the experiment in front of them, they do not have to face many problems in doing it.

When it becomes successful on their own, their confidence increases even more. They become more interested in doing practical experiments. This enhances their problem-solving skills.

4. Risk reduction

Since in this education system, learning is achieved by seeing with one’s own eyes, there is less chance of making mistakes.

Here, learning is achieved by watching others, so if there is any mistake, it is avoided, and the correct one is achieved through education.

When students do any experimental learning, they first see it somewhere. Students always do their work thinking in advance what the problem might be.

5. Supports inclusive learning

In this method of education, since students learn by watching, they do not have difficulty understanding.

In this method, students can gain education by observing themselves. If students have difficulty understanding something after listening to lectures, they understand it well after seeing the practical.

Importance of observational learning in daily life

Observational learning is very important for every human being. Every human being learns some observational learning in their daily life and applies it.

1. Family and parenting

The importance of family in observational learning is immense. A child gains knowledge about observational learning from their family and society.

Children take education observational learning from the behaviour, speech and interaction of their parents and other family members.

2. Workplace learning

Usually, when someone new joins the workplace, they learn by observing their colleagues or seniors how to work in the workplace and what the rules and regulations are.

In this learning method, the learner can easily understand or learn how to behave in the office, when and how to do what.

Observational learning vs traditional learning

In observational learning, learning takes place through observation, whereas in traditional education, the student is controlled by the teachers.

Several differences are discussed below.

1. Teaching approach

The core principle of observational learning is a psychological learning mechanism. Students learn by observing behaviours and outcomes.

Traditional learning, on the other hand, is completely different. Here, students are controlled by the teachers. The teachers decide what the students will study.

2. Learning style

In observational learning, the student has to learn from others by observing their behaviour and speech. Here, the student has to imitate the teacher. Here, the students are taught through practicals.

In traditional learning, students are more dependent on textbooks. Here, students are prepared for their academic exams. In class, they have to listen carefully to the teachers’ lectures and clear doubts about a specific topic.

3. Focus of learning

In observational learning, students usually learn by watching. As a result, it is a different type of learning, such as gaining knowledge about someone’s behaviour, speech, or actions by watching them.

In class, learning is done by observing teachers and other classmates.

Traditional learning, being teacher-centred, focuses on subject-based instruction.

In this approach, emphasis is generally placed on students’ academic results. Students learn primarily to achieve good results in their exams.

4. Student role

In observational learning, Students learn by observing and imitating models of teachers, peers, media, etc. Students learn by following someone. This helps to increase students’ self-confidence and communication skills.

In traditional learning, students generally follow the teachers. They listen attentively to the lectures given by the teachers in class and take notes. This usually improves the students’ academic results.

5. Classroom environment

In observational learning, students learn by observing people in any place they choose.

Learners don’t need a specific classroom. They have flexibility to choose their desired location.

But traditional learning is different. It is scheduled in a fixed environment such as school, where they follow the facilitator's instructions.

Conclusion

In this education system, the student has to take responsibility for themselves and learn in their own way. In this education system, learning usually starts from the family. A child learns from his father, mother or other family members by watching them.

He learns how to talk and how to walk. The practicals shown by the teachers in school or college are done in their own way.

As a result, the student’s confidence increases. When the student solves the problem, his self-confidence increases.

Frequently asked questions