ece497 week 1 discussion RESPONSE s.e.

Respectfully discuss your differences in terms of strengths and limitations of the theorist. Then, support your positions with personal examples and/or research. Lastly, present an area of the analysis in which you both agree, along with the reasons for agreement. 150 words.

After completing the theorists/theories table, I have realized that a lot of the ideas and concepts have had a great deal of influence on my work with children in the past and will continue to do so in the future. For example, Bronfenbrenner’s ecological stages theory displays how many different factors can influence a child’s development. He discussed all the various levels of a child’s social circle and how they all interrelate. This will be important in my work with children because it will allow me to better understand how the people in a child’s life might influence the work I’m doing with the child. Additionally, this will be important to acknowledge in order to foster caregiver and community involvement in a way that is most productive for all involved.

Another theory that will influence my work in the future is Bandura’s social learning theory. The concepts developed by Bandura will allow me to focus on the effects of modeling and social skills and stories often associated with working with children with disabilities. Knowing how children develop much of their understanding of their social interactions with others by imitation will allow me to create opportunities to establish prosocial behaviors and coping mechanisms to help children overcome their limitations.

Finally, Piaget’s cognitive learning theory really impacts my work with children because it takes into account biological factors as well as environmental influences on a child’s development. This is important, especially when working with children with disabilities, because a lot of the children I have worked with in the past are born with their disabilities. However, managing and manipulating the environment and the way in which others interact with these children makes the difference in whether or not they are successful.

As I (excitedly) complete the final course in my degree program, I realize that a combination of many of these theories should be utilized to create the most comprehensive approach to fostering healthy, safe, and successful development of every child.