Introduction
This paper provides the views and perspectives of various medical officers regarding multiple learning theories. These approaches include social cognitive, behaviorism, constructivism, and information processing. These four are critical in the transfer of the learning process which involves the application of knowledge learned in new situations and in different ways. As such, transit operators need to be equipped with the application of these theories to help them understand the role of the union. Therefore, they need to know that the union is there to ensure that they are provided with proper wages, a conducive working environment, equity, and fairness.
Behaviorism
Behaviorism is a learning theory that concerns itself with the notion that behaviors are acquired. This acquisition occurs through constant interaction with the environment which is what shapes the behaviors of individuals. Skinner’s operant conditioning depicts the theory even though he uses animals (Allen & Beaty, 2006). It involves reinforcement based on responses conducted in the line of a stimulus to increase the likelihood of a response occurring. As such, this conditioning can be essential for a transit operators union to ensure the members abide by certain rules and regulations (Schunk, 2016). For instance, operators often tend to ignore the restrictions with the hope that the union will fight for their rights. In these cases, the union establishes rewards and consequences for members who find themselves in certain conditions. This way, the members will be tailored towards abiding by these rules to be rewarded. Those who contravene the rules can be penalized through fines or suspensions. As such, the operators will be conditioned to follow these rules as provided.
Social Cognitive
Social cognitive posits that learning is dependent on a social context with reciprocal and dynamic interactions of people, their behavior, and the environment. In such a context, individuals can acquire various skills, strategies, and beliefs. It advances the notion that human beings act per their capabilities and the outcomes they expect from their actions which are learned from modeled behaviors. This theory is depicted from Bandura’s action of observational learning. This involves the display of a novel pattern after the observation of a model (Allen & Beaty, 2006). It mostly arises when no behavioral pattern is exhibited before modeling even with the possibility of enticement. Bandura worked with a clown punching bag and preschool children wherein the model would result in verbal and physical aggression towards the former (Allen & Beaty, 2006). When the model was evicted from the room, the students mimicked its behavior.
In such a way, the union leaders can act as models and not managers. As a result, there is a likelihood that their behaviors will be mimicked. This is because, if the operators see their leaders showing exemplary behavior then they will also be motivated to pursue excellence. It involves simple acts such as reading their emails and mastering the rules and regulations. Moreover, the acts can enhance employee innovation as they will have more freedom to speak about their unconventional ideas without the fear of being ridiculed. As such, the union leaders set the pace for the members who also get an opportunity to learn from each other’s excellence.
Information Processing
Information processing involves the idea that humans are similar to computers as they actively process any information received. Therefore, individuals can perform a complete analysis, manipulation, and memorization, which facilitates generalization and application in the workplace (Schunk, 2016). In this way, transit operators will be able to remember what they are taught and apply them in the course of their duties. This means that training should be prioritized as it encourages the execution of actions. Therefore, the operators will be able to apply what is learned and continually abide by the requirements as trained.
Constructivism
Constructivism involves the idea that learners can construct knowledge instead of passively experiencing its concepts and factors. As John Dewey illustrates, people experience the world in their way, and it is these perceptions that help in building and incorporating new information. Transfer of learning thus occurs through fostering independent learning and enhancing critical thinking (Allen & Beaty, 2006). Transit operators can therefore be allowed to create rules on how they want to remain self-sufficient and support themselves. This comes from forming the union’s ethical guidelines to regulate them. With such independence, they will be able to limit themselves, giving the union’s leadership an easy time in fighting for their rights in case of any malpractices.
Conclusion
The learning theories of constructivism, information processing, behaviorism, and social cognitive are increasingly becoming essential in the workplace. These approaches are especially critical in unions for transit operators to ensure they are molded perfectly. They create a safe environment for operations and enhance easy transition in services both upwards and downwards. Moreover, it allows the union and the operators to coexist peacefully without feelings of unfairness or injustice to keep their operations afloat.
References
Allen, P. & Beaty, S. V. (2006). The Learning Machine [Film]. Intelecom. Web.
Schunk, D. (2016). Learning theories: An educational perspective. Pearson Education.