Moral development: The social learning theory
Several theoretical approaches have been developed for the ways and reasons that a person’s moral development can be modified through his participation in physical activities. The most commonly used approaches today are the social learning theory, structural developmental theory and the positive youth developmental approach.These theories are considered “practical” because they describe and explain the phenomenon of moral development and provide a guide for teachers interested in modifying attitudes and behaviors.
The theory of social learning
This theory was developed in 1977 by the Canadian-American psychologist Albert Bandura. Morality is the behaviors that are in line with the values and rules of society. Examples: show respect for others and be honest. Children learn morally appropriate or inappropriate behaviors by observing the behaviors of their environment and by getting encouragement or not. For example, Tim, a teenage hockey player, sees his coach shaking hands with the opposing coach at the end of a match. Tim learns that shaking hands is an appropriate behavior after a game and he will likely do the same with his opponents. The coach can reinforce Tim’s behavior by saying “good job” or by hitting him in the back for reinforcement. Tim will be more likely to shake hands with his opponent in his next game because he has received encouragement for his behavior.According to this perspective, children and adolescents learn acceptable behaviors by watching adults and peers and are more likely to repeat behaviors that are encouraged. Social learning theorists recognize that children develop a sense of morality from external and internal validations. Initially, children’s behaviors are validated externally by parents and society through mechanisms of punishment and encouragement. Overtime, adolescents internalize patterns of acceptable behavior and develop the ability to regulate and evaluate their own behavior (Bandura, 1991). Adolescents in turn feel self satisfaction and respect when they behave according to their internal standards of acceptable behavior. According to the theory of social learning, moral maturity occurs through socialization as children and adolescents become aware of and internalize the society’s patterns of moral behavior. Source: “Human Motor Development” -A Lifespan approach (Greg Payne, Larry Isaacs) Recent Articles
