175 words 

Bandura's Social Learning Theory explains how people learn by observing imitating and modeling behaviors of others. This theory goes beyond direct reinforcement claiming that individuals can learn new skills simply by observing others and noting the consequences of their actions. As a result learning is both social and cognitive influenced by the interactions of environment behavior and personal characteristics. A key concept in this model is self-efficacy which is a person's belief in their ability to complete a task or influence outcomes. People with high self-efficacy are more motivated to try persevere through difficulties and recover from setbacks. Low self-efficacy on the other hand frequently leads to avoidance self-doubt and failure to engage even when skills are present. Consider a teenager who is learning how to drive. The student learns safe driving habits from observing a parent or instructor. If the adolescent believes they can master the skill they will keep practicing remain calm under pressure and eventually succeed demonstrating how self efficacy motivates learning and achievement.