Perspective & Theories in OSHC

Bandura - Social Learning Theory

Bandura’s Social Learning Theory helps OSHC educators understand how children learn through watching others—peers, educators, older children, and the group culture. In this OSHC-ready module, you’ll learn the core concepts in plain language (modelling, imitation, reinforcement, self-efficacy), hear a creative “voice of Bandura” narrative (educational purpose only), listen to educators plan how to apply the lens, hear an Educational Leader interview on mentoring behaviour guidance and positive culture using modelling, work through a realistic case study, and complete a critical reflection using the Circle of Change (revised) so learning becomes visible in everyday interactions.
Format

Online
Module

Author

Belinda Wright

Duration

45 - 60 Mins

Price

$
49

About the module

OSHC is a highly social environment. Children are constantly observing and copying what “works” to gain belonging, attention, power, or connection—especially after a long school day when emotions run high and peer dynamics matter.

Bandura’s lens helps educators move from “stop the behaviour” to “shape the culture.” It supports teams to use everyday moments—how we speak, how we respond, what we notice, who we celebrate, and what we ignore—to build a positive, respectful group climate.
This module supports educators to:
  • understand why behaviours spread (positive and negative)
  • use modelling intentionally (what we do matters as much as what we say)
  • build children’s confidence and self-efficacy (“I can do this”)
  • shift peer culture patterns by changing cues, attention, and reinforcement
  • create practical, consistent responses across the team

Understand social learning

A clear introduction to how children learn through modelling, reinforcement, and self-efficacy—made practical for OSHC.

See it in practice + leadership

Bring the theory to life through a “voice of the theorist” narrative, educator implementation dialogue, a real case study, and an Educational Leader interview on mentoring positive culture and behaviour guidance.

Reflect → improve

Use the Circle of Change (revised): Deconstruct → Confront → Theorise → Think Otherwise, then consolidate in “What have I learnt?” with one next step to trial.

How this module works

This module follows a consistent, educator-friendly structure:
  • Introduction to Bandura + What is Social Learning Theory?
    A plain-language overview with OSHC examples: peer influence, “copycat behaviour,” group norms, attention patterns, and role modelling.
  • “Let’s hear from Albert Bandura”
    A short creative narrative where “Bandura” speaks to using modelling and self-efficacy building in everyday OSHC practice (educational purpose only).
  • Educator dialogue: implementing the lens
    A realistic conversation between educators after completing the module—brainstorming how to:
    - model the behaviour and tone you want to see
    - use attention and reinforcement wisely
    - reduce “audience effects” and escalation loops
    - support children to practise skills (not just be corrected)
  • Interview: Educational Leader perspective
    A grounded interview focused on:
    - how an Educational Leader mentors consistent responses across educators
    - how to build a culture where positive behaviours spread
    - how to coach educators to notice what they reinforce (often unintentionally)
    - how to support children’s self-efficacy through achievable roles and skill-building
  • OSHC case study: behaviour spreading through the group
    A realistic scenario where a behaviour pattern is “catching” (e.g., rough play escalating, disrespectful language spreading, exclusion becoming normal). Learners practise identifying the modelling/reinforcement loop and choosing responses that reshape the group culture.
  • Critical reflection (Circle of Change – revised)
    Deconstruct → Confront → Theorise → Think Otherwise to examine assumptions (e.g., “they’re just copying,” “they know better”) and redesign a more intentional response.
  • What have I learnt?
    A short consolidation step to name key takeaways and commit to one practical change to trial.
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The “Let’s hear from…” section is a creative narrative designed for educator learning and is not a direct quote from published works.

What educators will be able to do after this module

Educators who complete this module will be better able to:
  • Recognise how peer culture and group dynamics drive behaviour in OSHC
  • Use modelling intentionally (tone, language, repair, fairness, calm problem-solving)
  • Strengthen behaviour guidance by adjusting reinforcement and attention patterns
  • Build children’s self-efficacy through roles, encouragement, and skill practice
  • Reduce escalation by removing the “audience” and changing the social payoff
  • Create more consistent team responses that shape a positive culture

Who this module is for

  • OSHC educators who want practical tools for behaviour guidance and positive group culture
  • Educational Leaders / service leaders mentoring consistent, proactive practice across a team
If you want positive behaviours to spread faster than the challenging ones, this module will help.

Belinda Wright

Founder | Director of Learning | OSHCologist | Researcher

I’m Belinda Wright—an OSHC practitioner, leader, and learning designer with almost two decades in the sector. I’ve completed a Graduate Certificate in Education (Learning & Leadership) and I’m currently completing a Master of Education (Learning & Leadership), with research focused on educational leadership in OSHC. This course is designed to make theory practical—so educators can use it to deepen observations, strengthen pedagogy, and improve everyday practice.