Observational Learning In Children

Observational learning has been around from the beginning of time. Watching and following the behavior of others is one of the easiest forms of learning. The most common learning style during childhood is observation learning. It has been demonstrated by several psychologists that people are naturally inclined to engage in observational learning. New born infants mimic the facial expressions of those around them. While watching a television show with aggressive behavior, adolescents will imitate the same behavior. Most are familiar with the phrase “monkey see, monkey do”. Over twenty years ago a discovery was made into monkeys and their brain cells called mirror neurons. Mirror cell become activated when one monkey watched another monkey complete a task, as well as when the monkey completed a task on his own. This discovery has triggered a debate on the importance of the mirror neurons in
See yourself as a teacher or coach to your children. Children not unlike adults, learn by observation. Demonstrate in detail the behavior you would like to see in the children. “Practice makes perfect”, encourage the children to practice the behavior you have demonstrated to them, using encouragement and constructive criticism. Modeling prosocial behavior to children will strengthen the community. Voluntarily helping others benefits more than one individual or group. Sharing, comforting, rescuing, and helping are all behaviors everyone should include in their daily lives. By demonstrating this to children without expectations of any type of recognition, economic, or political gain is what should motivate actions. Most children will demonstrate some type of anti-social behavior during development. If continued, anti-social behavior can develop into more serious issues, and must be addressed by parents, teachers, and or mental health