Social or Group Learning Theories

Abstract

In both computer-based and traditional educational environments, there has been a growing organization of learning in groups with an increased use of teams and group projects (Berg, 2003). Goldman (1999) claims that traditionally education is seen as an activity of isolated thinkers pursuing truth in a spirit of American self-reliance. However, in practice education is very much a social activity, especially the research component that is heavily dependent on colleagues. In fact, some argue that the key to the learning process as a whole is the interaction among students, and between faculty and students (Palloff & Pratt, 1999). Group learning approaches have been widely adopted by many of the leading distance learning institutions, and consequently an understanding of this approach is important.