Bronfenbrenner’s

Bio-Ecological Theory
and
Individual Differences
Urie Bronfenbrenner
A Russian born American development Psychologist whose
Bioecological model was integral to the formation of American
headstart pre-kindergarten programs.
He studied different “systems” interact and influence
human development.
The model suggest interaction between the individual and
environment, categorized into various systems, shape their
development over time.
 BRONFENBRENNER’S
BIO-ECOLOGICAL MODEL
THE MICROSYSTEM

refers to the small, immediate environment the child lives in.

Childrens microsystems will include any immediate relationship or
organizations they interacts with, such as their immediate family or
caregivers and their school or daycare.
THE MESOSYSTEM

It describes how the different parts of a Childs microsystem

work together for the sake of a child.

For example, if a child’s caregivers take an active role in a

Childs school, such as going to parent-teacher conferences and
watching their child soccer games.
THE EXOSYSTEM

This level includes the other people and places that the child
herself may not interact with often herself but that still have a
large effect on her, such as parents workplaces, extended family
members, the neighborhood etc.
THE MACROSYSTEM

This system includes social or cultural ideologies and beliefs

that affect an individual's environment. The largest and most
remote set of people and things to a child but which still has a
great influence over the child.
 THE CHRONOSYSTEM

This system includes that transition and shifts in one’s lifespan. This
may also involve the socio historical contexts that may influence a
person.

One classic example of this is how divorce, as a major life

transition, may affect not only the couples relationship but also
relationship but also their children’s behavior.
 Individual Differences
( Student Diversity)

Individual Classroom
Differences Benefits of Strategies for
Factors Diversity in the Student Diversity
Classroom
Benefits of Diversity in the Classroom:

1. Student's self-awareness is enhanced by diversity.

2. Student diversity contributes to cognitive development.
3. Student diversity prepares learners for their role as
responsible members of society
4. Student diversity can promote harmony.
Classroom Strategies for Student Diversity:

1. Encourage learners to share their personal history and

experiences.
2. Integrate learning experiences and activities which
promote student’s multicultural and cross-cultural
awareness.
3. Aside from highlighting diversity, identify patterns of
unity that transcend group differences.
4. Communicate high expectations to students from all
subgroups.

5. Use varied instructional methods to accommodate student

diversity in learning styles.

6. Vary the examples you use to illustrate concepts in order to

provide multiple contexts that are relevant to students from
diverse backgrounds.
7. Adapt to the students’ diverse backgrounds and learning
styles by allowing them personal choice and decision-making
opportunities concerning what they will learn and how they
will learn it.

8. Diversify your methods of assessing and evaluating student

learning.
9. Purposely, form small discussion groups of students from
diverse backgrounds. You can form groups of students with
different learning styles, different cultural background, etc.