Social Family Models: A Way to Foster Social Skills and Learning

Abstract

Dear Editor, The social family models of teaching highlight the social nature of learners and are used to develop the learning process through social interactions. Our article discussed the role of these teaching models in the formation of social skills and achieving educational goals. Based on that, we concluded that education systems ought to devise these models in order to facilitate collaborative learning and overcome the social problems in different communities. Evidence shows that vulnerable groups such as youth, adults and families are at risk of numerous social problems. These problems can be categorized as juvenile delinquency, expulsion from school, pregnancy among younger teens, illiteracy, poverty, domestic violence and child abuse.1 Considering social problems as an inevitable part of modern societies, scientific investigation and evidence-based interventions at different levels are essential.2 One of the ways of tackling these problems is through educating younger generations. Education plays a pivotal role in this regard and the development of societies depends upon the development of the educational systems.3 Thus, universities as a single entity can educate others by providing educational opportunities, conducting research and developing field-related activities. In this regard, members of society will be equipped with essential knowledge and skills to participate in social development. Community involvement is an important aspect of any social development that leads to learning. People interact with their family members through appropriate behavior to educate and prepare them for life in society. Individuals learn when the activities, habits, words and thoughts of their society members are internalized within them. Fostering collaborative learning is the most fundamental step for learning in the educational environment.4 There are several matters that play a role in the teaching and learning process. Not only are the professional and humanistic attributes of teachers important in the teaching and learning processes,5 but different teaching models are also of utmost importance for better learning.6 By the same token, providing an appropriate learning environment can contribute to the development of skills and metacognitive awareness of learners.7 If teachers use different teaching methods and models, the results would be the achievement of educational goals. Teaching models are actually learning patterns. Applying these models will not only help the students learn how to gain and retain information, ideas, skills, ways of thinking and opinions, but will also help them in the learning process. Teaching models help students to learn and comprehend a variety of subjects, skills and attitudes. Joyce and Marsha Weil8 categorized four families of teaching models including (a) Individual family models, (b) Social family models, (c) Information processing family models, and (d) Behavioral family models. The social family models emphasize the social nature of the learners, their social behavior and how to enhance the learning process through social interactions. The models associated with the social family are focused on developing the concepts and skills needed to work in groups.9 Consequently, we can deal with social problems through the use of effective educational models or patterns. Social family models help learners learn social skills to build effective relationships with others and avoid irrational social interactions. When members of society establish a sincere relationship with each other, the results can be a sense of safety, reliability and comfort.10 The World Health Organi-