Observational Learning Activities in the Classroom
Observational learning—also known as social learning—occurs when students acquire new behaviors or
knowledge by watching others. To harness this in a classroom setting, teachers should design deliberate
activities where students learn by observing peers, teachers, or instructional media.
Example Activities
1. Peer Demonstration
Activity: Assign a skill-based task (e.g., solving a math problem, conducting a science experiment, or reading
aloud). Select a student to perform the task while others observe.
Process:
The teacher models the expected outcome first.
The selected student performs the task.
Observers note key actions, strategies, or language used.
Afterward, students discuss what they saw and attempt the task themselves.
2. Role Play and Simulation
Activity: Use role-playing to practice social skills, language conversations, or historical events.
Process:
A group of students acts out a scenario while others observe.
Observers focus on specific behaviors (e.g., conflict resolution, proper grammar, negotiation).
A class discussion follows to reflect on observed techniques and learnings.
3. Think-Aloud Protocols
Activity: The teacher or a peer verbalizes their thought process while solving a complex problem.
Process:
Students observe the expert’s thinking process.
They are prompted to ask questions about choices made during problem-solving.
Students try the process, modeling their attempts after the observed behavior.
4. Video Analysis
Activity: Watch instructional videos demonstrating a process (e.g., a science experiment, literary analysis).
Process:
Students watch, pausing at key moments to discuss steps and decision-making.
They complete an identical or similar task, applying what they observed.
Implementation Reflection
After employing these activities, reflections can cover the following:
Student Engagement: Most students show increased attentiveness when learning from peers or via modeling.
For instance, shy students may feel more comfortable attempting tasks after observing others succeed.
Skill Transfer: Observational learning aids in transferring complex skills. For example, students who watched a
peer solve a math problem often adopted similar strategies when working independently.
Collaborative Environment: These activities foster collaboration and peer support. Students often provide
feedback or tweak their approaches based on observations.
Challenges: Some students may imitate errors if models are incorrect. Careful selection or preparation of
demonstrators is important.
Assessment: Comparing pre- and post-activity performance helps measure the impact. Most find a clear
improvement in skills immediately after observation-based instruction.
