Applications of Social Cognitive Theory to Gifted Education

Abstract

Social cognitive theory emphasizes a dynamic interactive process to explain human functioning. This theory ascribes a central role to cognitive processes in which the individual can observe others and the environment, reflect on that in combination with his or her own thoughts and behaviors, and alter his or her own self-regulatory functions accordingly. The purpose of relating the theory to gifted education is to examine the implications of the theoretical extensions for planning appropriate curricular and instructional experiences for advanced learners. Some of the more commonly found gifted education service models are considered in terms of how well they align with and address what is known to be integral to student learning according to social cognitive theory.