Social Interactions and Learning

Synonyms

Collaborative learning; Peer learning

Definition

Social interaction plays an important role in learning. Interacting with other people has proven to be quite effective in assisting the learner to organize their thoughts, reflect on their understanding, and find gaps in their reasoning. Underneath the broad umbrella of social interactions and learning, variants can range from peer learning, reciprocal teaching, learning by teaching, learning by observation, learning by doing, and self–other monitoring. These areas overlap in scholarship and are often an optimal way to help students learn. Different forms of collaborative learning can create ideal circumstances when examining the impact of social interactions on learning.

Theoretical Background

Vygotsky believed that culture, history, and social interactions play a critical role in the cognitive development of children. Through observation, Vygotsky found that children develop higher mental functions such as identifying speech...