Observation is the act of watching or noticing, while in the context of learning, modeling occurs when you watch others and then repeat what they do or say. According to the reference, the key difference is that the act of modeling can be more interactive and instructive than observational learning alone.
Understanding Observation and Modeling
Observation is a fundamental process involving paying close attention to something or someone to gain information. In learning theories, it's the initial step where an individual watches the actions or behaviors of others. This watching is passive in itself but is the foundation for understanding how something is done.
Modeling, as described in the provided reference, is the subsequent act of repeating the behaviors or actions that were observed. It goes beyond mere watching; it involves imitation and active participation. The reference highlights that this act of modeling is different from observational learning because it adds dimensions of interaction and instruction that might not be present in just observing and learning from it.
Key Differences Based on Reference
Based on the specific context provided by the reference concerning observational learning and modeling (as repeating actions), the core difference lies in the nature of the act:
| Feature | Observation (as part of Observational Learning) | Modeling (Act of Repeating) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Act | Watching, Noticing | Repeating Observed Behavior |
| Activity Level | Often passive | Active and participatory |
| Interaction | Less inherent interaction | Can be more interactive |
| Instruction | Learning through watching | Can be more instructive (due to active repetition/feedback) |
The reference explicitly states that modeling "is different from observational learning in that the act can be more interactive and instructive." This suggests that while observation is the input, the act of modeling (repeating the action) allows for a more dynamic process where the learner engages directly with the behavior, potentially receiving feedback or refining the action, leading to deeper instruction and learning compared to just learning by watching.
Practical Examples
Consider a child learning to tie shoelaces:
- Observation: The child watches a parent tie shoelaces. They see the steps, the loops, the knots. This is observation. They learn how it's done by watching.
- Modeling: The child then takes their own shoelaces and tries to repeat the steps they saw. They attempt to make the loops and pull them through. This active act of modeling allows them to interact with the laces, potentially receive instruction or help ("No, make the loop bigger"), and practice the steps repeatedly, making the learning process more interactive and instructive than just watching.
Another example in a professional setting:
- Observation: An intern watches a senior colleague give a presentation. They observe the structure, delivery style, and handling of questions.
- Modeling: The intern later prepares and delivers their own presentation, attempting to replicate effective techniques they observed. The act of modeling involves actively practicing delivery, possibly doing dry runs, receiving feedback from a mentor, and refining their skills through interactive attempts, which is more instructive than merely having watched the senior colleague.
In essence, observation is the initial input of seeing the behavior, while modeling, in this context, is the active output of performing the behavior based on that observation, offering richer learning opportunities.
