APPLICATION OF TWO EDUCATIONAL THEORIES IN THE CLASSROOM

Teaching is a complex phenomenon and needs a specific framework. Subjective ideas would dominate in the absence of a predetermined framework. Teaching and learning theories provide a systematic framework for instruction. This article describes "Constructivist and Social Learning Theories" and explains their applications in practice. The constructivist school views knowledge as a constructed entity made by each and every learner through a learning process. Thus, knowledge can not be transmitted from one person to the other it will have to be reconstructed by each person. The social learning theory emphasizes the importance of observing and modeling the behavior, attitudes and emotional reactions of others. Social learning theory explains human behavior in terms of continuous reciprocal interaction between cognitive, behavioral, and environmental influences. Application of these theories in classrooms helps teachers to have a shared base of knowledge and a common language for teaching.