FM-AA-CIA-15 Rev.

0 10-July-2020

Study Guide in Prof. Ed. 102 Child and Adolescent Learners and Learning Principles Module No. 9

STUDY GUIDE FOR MODULE NO. 9

BRONFENBRENNER’S ECOLOGICAL THEORY

MODULE OVERVIEW

Bronfenbrenner came up with a simple yet useful paradigm showing the different factors that exert
influence on an individual’s development. It points out the ever-widening spheres of influence that
shape every individual, from his/her immediate family to the neighborhood, the country, even the
world!

MODULE LEARNING OBJECTIVES

In this module, challenge yourself to:

 Describe each of the layers of Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological Model.
 Identify factors in one’s own life that exerted influence on one’s development.
 Use the bioecological theory as a framework to describe the factors that affect a child and
adolescent development.

LEARNING CONTENTS

Bronfenbrenner's model also known as the Bioecological Systems theory presents child
development within the context of relationship systems that comprise the child's environment. It
describes multipart layers of environment that has an effect on the development of the child. Each
layer is further made up of different structures. The term "bioecological" points out that a child's own
biological make-up impacts as a key factor in one's development. Through the child's growing and
developing body and the in interplay between his immediate family/community environment, and the
societal landscape fuels and steers his development. Changes or conflict in any one layer will ripple
throughout other layers. To study a child's development then, we must look not only at the child and
her immediate environment, but also at the interaction of the larger environment as well.

Bronfenbrenner conceptualized four ecological

systems that an individual interacted with, each nested
within the others. Listed from closest to the person to
furthest:

1. Microsystem — The prefix “micro” comes from the

Greek for “small,” and is the first and most immediate
layer of the nested systems. It encompasses an
individual’s human relationships, interpersonal
interactions and immediate surroundings. An example
of this system would be the relationship between an
individual and his or her parents, siblings, or school
environment.

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Study Guide in Prof. Ed. 102 Child and Adolescent Learners and Learning Principles Module No. 9

2. Mesosystem — The second layer from the individual, surrounding the microsystem and
encompassing the different interactions between the characters of the microsystem. For example,
the relationship between the individual’s family and their school teachers or administrators. In order
for an interaction to be considered part of the mesosystem, it has to be a direct interaction between
two aspects of the microsystem that influences the development of the individual.

3. Exosystem — The exosystem is the third layer, and contains elements of the microsystem which
do not affect the individual directly, but may do so indirectly. For example, if a parent were to lose
their job or have their hours cut back, this would affect their child in an indirect way such as financial
strain or increased parental stress.

4. Macrosystem — The prefix “macro” comes from the Greek for “large,” and is used because this
system was thought to be all-encompassing. The fourth and outermost layer of the bioecological
model, it encompasses cultural and societal beliefs and programming that influence an individual’s
development. Examples of this would include gender norms or religious influence.

To know more about this lesson, read articles on:

https://www.learning-theories.com/bronfenbrenners-bioecological-model-bronfenbrenner.html
https://www.psychologynoteshq.com/bronfenbrenner-ecological-theory/

LEARNING ACTIVITY 1

A. Read the following question. Recall your childhood. You may ask your parents for some
information. Write your answer on the graphic organizer below.

Answer the following sentence completion items.

1. When I was 5 years old, my parents ______________________________________.
2. As a child, my unforgettable playmates were _______________________________.
3. When I was in elementary, I regularly watched the television show ______________.
4. When I was growing up, we went to church in ______________________________.
5. I cannot forget my teacher who _________________________________________.
6. When I was growing up, I was away from _________________________________.
7. When I was in High School, I was close to ________________________________ .
8. As a child, I can recall this big news about _________________________________.
9. The most serious challenge our family experienced was ______________________.
10. The most important thing that I learned from my elementary school was __________.

B. Write each answer you gave in the Activity on the circle where it belongs based on
Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Theory.

Macrosystem
s
Exosystems

Mesosystems

LEARNING ACTIVIT
Microsystem
s
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Study Guide in Prof. Ed. 102 Child and Adolescent Learners and Learning Principles Module No. 9

SUMMARY

Bronfenbrenner's theory reminds the school and the teachers of their very important role. If there is
a lack of support, care and affection from the home, if there is a serious breakdown of the basic
relationships in a child's life, what can the school, the teachers in particular do? This theory helps
teachers look into every child's environmental systems in order to understand more about the
characteristics and needs of each child, each learner. The schools and the teachers can contribute
stability and long-term relationships. but only to support and not replace the relationships in the
home. Bronfenbrenner believes that, the primary relationship needs to be with someone who can
provide a sense of caring that is meant to last a lifetime. This relationship must be fostered by a
person or people within the immediate sphere of the child's influence." Schools and teachers' crucial
role is not to replace the lack in the home if such exists, but to work so that the school becomes an
environment that welcomes and nurtures families. Bronfenbrenner also stressed that society should
value work done on behalf of children at all levels, and consequently value parents, teachers,
extended family, mentors, work supervisors, legislators.

REFERENCES

Brenda B. Corpuz, Ph.D, et. al. (2018). The Child and Adolescent Learners and Learning Principles.
Lorimar Publishing Inc.

https://www.learning-theories.com/bronfenbrenners-bioecological-model-bronfenbrenner.html

https://www.psychologynoteshq.com/bronfenbrenner-ecological-theory/

https://study.com/academy/lesson/bronfenbrenners-ecological-systems-theory-of-development-
definition-examples.html

https://www.google.com/search?q=bronfenbrenner
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