Social learning is based on a theory developed by psychologist Albert Bandura that proposes learning is a cognitive process that takes place in a social context and occurs purely through observation or direct instruction, even in the absence of motor reproduction or direct reinforcement.

Consider the social aspects of our everyday lives. Today, we learn by watching, listening, and doing; by blending visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles to understand new concepts, retain that knowledge, and apply them to everyday challenges, at work and at home.

This is Bandura’s social learning theory. The approach abandons traditional learning models, favoring a more common sense, real-life approach to learning. Compared to traditional formal learning techniques, social learning focuses on how we interact with our peers for just-in-time learning and skill acquisition—a maxim of the 70:20:10 learning framework. The methodology suggests that about 70% of someone’s learning happens via on-the-job experiences, 20% through interactions with their peers, and just 10% in traditional, instructor-led classroom environments.