Social learning is a core concept in learning theory, emphasizing that we learn from others by observing their reactions and imitating behaviors. It's a fundamental form of learning that begins in infancy, as we first babble words like "Dada." (Interestingly in almost all languages ‘Dada’ appears before ‘Mama’).

Our understanding of the world is built on words, intricately linked with emotions and people. Without these elements, our ability to describe or comprehend our surroundings would be severely limited—much like the Aztecs, who, upon seeing European galleons for the first time, struggled to grasp the strangeness of what they saw. They had never encountered such ships or heard of them before.

Human connection, driven by love and attention, is essential for learning. In addition, research shows that we learn more effectively when we can teach or explain concepts to others.

So, why not leverage this powerful cultural aspect to develop new skills in your workplace? Here are five expert-validated tips for incorporating social learning into your professional development strategy:

1. Practice through validated work-based actions

One of the foundations of Stellar Labs' GEAR methodology is applying knowledge through action. As learners practice new skills, they encounter various situations that deepen their understanding of concepts. With the support of a mentor, this can become a powerful experience for mastering new skills. Practice is Hebb's Law in action, "Neurons that fire together wire together."

→  At Stellar Labs, we integrate work-based actions into our behaviour modules, setting specific dates for follow-through on practical exercises.

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2. Encouraging questions

Learners aren’t just spectators; they must be active participants who reflect on and question what’s presented. The practice of asking questions in learning dates back to Socrates, who engaged learners in dialogues to explore concepts together. This not only helps people pay more attention but also strengthens the connections between new knowledge and their existing understanding, leading to more robust idea formation.

→ At Stellar Labs, we use discussion prompts to stimulate learner conversations and encourage critical thinking.

3. Likes and reactions

It’s well-known that receiving likes and reactions triggers a dopamine response in the brain, linking these to feelings of love and affection. While this can sometimes become stressful—especially in the context of social media—when used wisely, it can be a positive reinforcement tool for stimulating growth and personal connection. Learners subconsciously acquire skills as they process, appreciate and acknowledge their peers' efforts. This is also reinforced by the “Social Proof” effect, where individuals tend to follow the behaviour of others, thinking, "If others are doing it, it must be good."

→ At Stellar Labs, our "like" tool includes comments, enabling peers to motivate each other, engage in discussions, and respond to one another’s contributions.

4. Blended workshops and personal videos

There is a psychological phenomenon linked to our mirror neurons that makes us more attentive when observing faces. The part of our brain associated with social cognition gets activated, which significantly impacts our ability to retain knowledge.

→ At Stellar Labs, we encourage you to post videos and URLs with ‘people’ for introductions, booking meetings or joining online calls. This is a practice we regularly incorporate into our learning programs. Our collaboration with Synthesia means you can easily integrate their AI videos into your journeys too.

Want to hear more? Check out our Webinar: Is social learning dead in the context of AI?, with Stella Collins and Nigel Paine

Curious to learn more? Check out our Webinar: Is social learning dead in the context of AI?, with Stella Collins and Nigel Paine

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Other interesting reads:

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https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1053810016302501

https://www.nngroup.com/articles/social-proof-ux/

https://www.verywellmind.com/social-learning-theory-2795074

https://management30.com/blog/socratic-dialog-method/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3510904/ 

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