The development of student’s learning behaviour through observational learning

Abstract

Based on the social learning theory and observational learning concept, children will learn certain behaviours through imitating role models. Similar to other forms of social behaviour, they will acquire learning behaviours in the same way either through observing others or through direct experience. Therefore, the parents’ perception on observational learning as well as their own learning practices may be reflected in their children and act as live models for related learning behaviours. The lack of previous research and evidence in implications of parent’s perceptions of observational learning and subsequently whether or not they regularly practice it at home towards a child’s learning behaviour makes it imperative to explore deeper into this matter. Hence, the purpose of the current study is to investigate the relationship between parent’s perception of learning through example and their learning practices. In addition, the relationship between parent’s perception of learning through example and the adolescents’ learning through observation has also been investigated. A quantitative research method was implemented, which involves the distribution of questionnaires to 469 secondary school students from 5 schools in Kuching, Sarawak, specifically in Form 1, Form 2 and Form 4, along with 469 parents. The findings obtained revealed that the parents’ perception of observational learning indicated a positive perception of learning through example, and that the parents’ have a high understanding on the good learning practices. A correlation analysis revealed that there is a significant positive relationship between parent’s perception of learning through example and their learning practices. However, no significant relationship was found between parent’s perception of learning through example and the adolescents’ learning through observation. The findings have clearly demonstrated how perception plays an important role in a parent’s life which can influence their own behaviours and decisions on a child’s development. Additionally, findings from this study are particularly useful for parents, caregivers and educators as it can help them understand about perception and its correlation with behavior.