Bonus Blog Post: Bronfenbrenner’s Theory

Explains how the model described in the article can be used to understand the relationship between a student’s family life and their experience in school.

Urie Bronfenbrenner is an American psychologist that changed the system when it came to studying children in the late 20th century. Brogenbrenner believed that the usual studying of children, done in sterile and non-natural environments, was ecologically invalid as the “laboratory features of research are not characteristic of environments that children actually live and develop in” (Guy-Evans). In his diagram, he describes the first level of his theory: the microsystem. The microsystem is filled with things that have direct contact with the child on a daily basis. This first level is of the utmost importance as it is the framework for every other relationship the child will hold. The relationships that often fall within this category are parents, siblings, other family members, teachers, friends, and peers. This model can be used to a great extent to understand the relationship that lies between a child’s family life and their experience in school. With his research, Bronfenbrenner found that the relationships within this first level are often bi-directional. This means that there is a direct correlation between the way a child is treated and how they will then treat others. These relationships within this first level are of the utmost importance as they directly affect the nature of the child. For example, a student who has a loving home environment benefits greatly. On the other hand, abuse or neglect by those closest to a child will have a negative impact on that child. This may seem self explanatory and is a fairly simple idea to grasp, yet should not be overlooked. This concept is fundamental to educators and those in close proximity to students. First, the way a child is treated at home will affect the way they operate and behave in your classroom. Students who come from loving and secure homes will often treat others with that same respect, while those who come from difficult home lives may often misbehave or act out. Again, every student will come into the classroom with a different experience and life and we as teachers mist adapt and shift our teaching to fit each students needs. More so, this idea is important when it comes to teaching students. As educators, it is our job to help students flourish and enjoy the learning process. It is on us to support each students individual needs. When an educator teaches with respect, the reaction from students is much more likely to be positive; the way we interact with students is essential in shaping who they are as human beings.