1 Classmate
response L.G.
MODULE 4 Discussion: Journal Entry #2 – Theories Applied To Teaching & Learning (CO# 1, 4, 6)
Early childhood educators can use their understanding of Bronfenbrenner’s model to support high-quality pedagogy by recognizing that students’ development is highly influenced by their environment. By understanding each sphere of Bronfenbrenner’s model, teachers can create a responsive learning environment that supports every aspect of a child’s life. The innermost circle of Bronfenbrenner’s model is the microsystem which represents “environments of parents, family, peers, child care, schools, neighborhood, religious groups, playgrounds, community parks, and so forth” (Morrison, 2021, p.169). A child is directly influenced by the experiences and relationships in their microsystem. With this understanding, a teacher should prioritize building positive rapport with students to establish trusting relationships that help students feel safe, valued, and supported in their learning environment. The next circle in the model, above the microsystem, is the mesosystem. The mesosystem involves interactions between elements within the microsystem. For example, parents and teachers have a direct influence on a child’s life within the microsystem, but when parents and teachers start communicating with each other, that interaction becomes part of the mesosystem. Knowing that these interactions influence a child’s development, teachers should strive to create open lines of communication with parents. Creating these open lines of communication can allow teachers to keep the parents involved and updated with their child’s progress in school which can ultimately aid in the child’s success. Above the mesosystem, is the exosystem. This system includes social settings that don’t include children, but affect their microsystems and influence them indirectly (Morrison, 2021, p.169). Knowing this, teachers can be mindful of external factors like access to resources that can impact a child. With that being said, teachers should not send projects home to finish unless they can provide students with the materials they need or unless they know for sure that students have what they need to complete the assignment. Next, the macrosystem pertains to larger cultural influences. Awareness of the macrosystem can help teachers reflect on teaching practices they can implement to respect each student’s cultural background. This could look like intentionally selecting a range of diverse read-alouds that represent different cultures, family structures, and traditions so students feel seen in their learning environment. Lastly, the outermost layer of the model is the chronosystem. The chronosystem pertains to environmental events, life transitions, and life events (Morrison, 2021, p.169). This system reminds educators to be mindful of how big life events like moving, war, or even COVID-19 can have on student development. By understanding each system, educators are able to adapt and purposefully plan their instruction to meet the needs of all their students.
References:
Rutherford, M. (2014, December 27).
Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Model [Video]. YouTube.
to an external site.
Morrison, G. S., Breffni, L., & Woika, M. J. (2021).
Early childhood education today (15th ed.). Pearson.
2.Second Classmate
Sophia D J Rosado
Chapter 5 introduces an array of theories designed to aid in understanding human development and growth. Each theorist presents their own interpretation and emphasis on how children develop and learn new concepts. Bronfenbrenner developed the Ecological Theory of Human Development, which focuses on how the relationships within a child’s environment impact their development. Each system in his model is influenced by the others and is unique to that child. There are five environmental systems: microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem, and chronosystem. Each system plays a distinct role, but all contribute to how a child grows, learns, and what their life outcomes may be (Morrison et al., 2022, p. 169).
As an educator, I understand that the classroom is not the only environment that impacts a student’s learning and academic success. I find this theory extremely valuable because it draws attention to many aspects of a child’s life that are often easy to overlook. It’s natural to focus on experiences that directly influence a child, but even events they do not experience firsthand can still have an impact. Children are constantly learning about the world around them, but each child will have a completely different experience and understanding of their reality and education.
There are many influences in a child’s life that they have no control over, but as educators, we can create environments that positively influence their five systems. For example, to support the microsystem, I would create a loving and safe classroom space. To positively affect the mesosystem, the textbook highlights the importance of building strong parent-teacher relationships (Morrison et al., 2022, p. 169). Educators should work collaboratively with families to support the student. In the video, an example of the exosystem is the superintendent’s office (Dr. Mindy Rutherford, 2014). As a teacher, I can support this system by advocating for my students’ needs and promoting a positive school climate.
Being culturally sensitive and responsive in the classroom benefits the child’s macrosystem by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. Lastly, in Figure 5.6, one example of the chronosystem that stood out to me was “living in a technological age” (Morrison et al., 2022, p. 169). As a teacher, I can support this by providing students with the foundational skills to navigate technology responsibly.
I believe educators often strive to create the best environment for their students, even without realizing it aligns with a specific theory. Bronfenbrenner’s theory has made me more aware of how many influences shape a child’s development. While we cannot shield children from every challenge in their lives, by creating a positive and supportive environment early on, we lay a strong foundation that can guide them toward success.
References
Dr. Mindy Rutherford. (2014, December 27).
Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems model [Video]. YouTube.
Morrison, G. S., Woika, M. J., & Breffni, L. (2022).
Early childhood education today (15th ed.). Pearson.
