Activity 7.3

                Bandura’s (2011) article, “But What About That Gigantic Elephant in the Room?” offered an enlightening perspective about the several misconceptions and other concepts regarding social cognitive theory. I was familiar with some of the ideas presented under this theory from previous psychology courses; however, one point that really sparked my interest was the idea of acknowledging the “fortuitous aspects of life.”

            This particular section was so intriguing to read about because it really got me thinking about the immense role chance could play in individuals’ lives. I always think about how various unplanned events have shaped me into the person I am today. For instance, the day my graduate school application was due I did not have any stamps for my envelops, the nearest stamps were in the book store across campus,  I was literally five minutes away from missing the outgoing mail, and I knew I was not going to be able to make it to the post office later that day. Out of all of the offices in the particular building and all the people who occupied those offices, no one seemed to have a stamp. The last place I tried was the Registrar’s office, and the first guy that I asked had a whole book of stamps to spare! Bandura (2011) stated that “most fortuitous events leave people untouched, others have some lasting effects, and still others branch people into new trajectories of life” (p. 9). To this very day, I attribute my attendance at the University of Kentucky to chance, and this fortuitous even has definitely sent me in a new direction in life.

            Bandura (2011) stated “fortuitous events may be unforeseeable but fortuity does not mean uncontrollability of it effects” (p. 9). I loved this statement, and it made me think about James’ talk about the will and the question, “Will you or won’t you have it so?”  Bandura’s (2011) statement suggests that individuals can have the authority choose what type of influence fortuitous events can have on their lives and can also influence the opportunities for fortuitous events to occur. After reading this article I am interested to know if James were to expand his chapter on The Will or create another chapter that speaks on fortuitous events, what type of advice would he give to teachers about the role fortuity could play in learning?