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Showing posts from January, 2013

Human Ecology Theory

Urie Bronfenbrenner, a co-founder of the Headstart Program, developed the Human Ecology Theory (also known as the Ecological Systems theory). The Human Ecology Theory states that human development is influenced by the different environmental systems. This theory helps us understand why we may behave differently when we compare our behavior in the presence of our family and our behavior when we are in school or at work, etc. The Five Environmental Systems The ecological systems theory holds that we encounter different environments throughout our lifespan that may influence our behavior in varying degrees. These systems include the micro system , the mesosystem , the exosystem , the macro system , and the chronosystem . The micro system 's setting is the direct environment we have in our lives. Your family, friends, classmates, teachers, neighbors and other people who have a direct contact with you are included in your micro system. The micro system is the setting in whic

Preparation is Key...

As I prepare for my English teaching abroad experience, it is useful for me to read a collection of material I can use in helping English Language Learners (ELLs) establish a solid foundation for reading and communicate competence, in their writing. David and Yvonne Freeman’s (2004) book Essential Linguistics: What You Need to Know to Teach Reading, ESL, Spelling, Phonics, and Grammar describes useful theories, techniques, and practices to aid instructors in effectively educating ELLs. As the title suggests, there is a focus on phonics, spelling and reading, within developing a student’s phonetic schema. Throughout the text there is a consistent comparison of two theories, which concentrate on developing ELLs’ linguistic skills, for academic reading and writing.            World and Sociopsycholinguistic Recognition theories believe in two distinctive, opposing methods all students use to cultivate their language skills. World Recognition (WR) expresses the belief tha