Understanding and Teaching Bronfenbrenner's Bioecological Theory

Introduction: Purpose and Perspective

Part I. Understanding Bronfenbrenner’s Theory

1. Bronfenbrenner’s Biography and the Development of his Theory

2. Bioecological Theory and the PPCT Model

3. Adaptations to Bronfenbrenner That Are Worth Knowing & Teaching

Part II. Teaching & Applying Bronfenbrenner’s Theory

4. Teaching Bronfenbrenner in an Interdisciplinary First-Year Seminar

5. Teaching Bronfenbrenner’s Theory within an Undergraduate Course

6. Using Bronfenbrenner’s Theory in a Life-Span Human Development Course

7. Teaching Bronfenbrenner’s Theory in a Graduate Class

8. Bioecological Theory, the PPCT Model, & Research Courses

Part III. Primers for Undergraduate and Graduate Students

9. An Undergraduate Primer on Bronfenbrenner’s Theory

10. A Graduate/Postgraduate Primer on Bioecological Theory

References

Appendix – Drillien Graphs

Biography

Jessica L. Navarro, MSW, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Human Service Studies department at Elon University in North Carolina, United Stages. She holds a BA in Public Health from Brown University, an MSW from Washington University in St. Louis, and a PhD in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Jess can be reached at [email protected] or through her website, www.jnavarromswphd.com.

Jonathan R. H. Tudge was educated in England, at the universities of Lancaster (BA History) and Oxford (MPhil Sociology), and the United States, at Cornell University (PhD Developmental Psychology). He worked as a teacher of young children in England and Russia, before becoming a Professor (now Emeritus) of Human Development and Family Studies at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Jon can be reached at [email protected].

"I highly recommend this welcome book, which comprehensively identifies and addresses a dilemma in Bronfenbrenner scholarship. The authors, both authorities in the field, have observed an overreliance, in literature and research alike, on the earliest iteration of Bronfenbrenner’s work.  Arguing that this underestimates the rich potential of his comprehensive theory, they present readers with a thorough overview, drawing particular attention to the bioecological iteration, the dynamic Process, Person, Context and Time [PPCT] model.  

The book is written as a teaching manual for instructors at undergraduate, postgraduate and research level and provides a carefully constructed guide through the history of this compelling theory of human development. In a succinct and conversational style, the authors provide helpful signposts, activities, case studies, and prompts for instructors at each level. Unapologetic in their approach to conveying the complexity of the model, they acknowledge the challenges it can present arguing, convincingly, that the model has within it the potential ‘to reveal the real mechanisms behind development’. I wish this book every success and, alongside the authors, hope that it will encourage instructors and researchers to bring ‘Bronfenbrenner’s theory to life for everyone’."

Professor Nóirín Hayes, School of Education, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland

"I can't imagine teaching human development without using Bronfenbrenner's perspective, and I can't imagine teaching human development and family life without featuring information technology. To see information technology's role in family life and individual development captured by Navarro and Tudge's work is a gift. With it digital media, the internet, Artificial Intelligence and more are not tools, but factors within the larger ecosystem of human life."

Susan K Walker, Professor Emeritus, University of Minnesota, US 

"As leading theorists on Urie Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological work Jess Navarro and Jon Tudge have produced a very timely book on one of the most cited theorists in the social sciences; because this theory is largely misunderstood and often used in over-simplistic terms. The book is a gamechanger; it provides detailed chapters and useful diagrams on how post and undergraduate students, and experienced researchers can better be taught, and understand, the nuances of this powerful theory, taking them step-by-step through understanding human development over-time as a continuous process shaped by the interplay between individuals and their environments. The book is not only a brilliant idea but one of the most useful texts for the social sciences in the 21st century. Ideal for research methods courses and for anyone wanting to use or be introduced to bioecological theory."

Iram Siraj, Professor of Child Development and Education, Jesus College, University of Oxford, UK