Michelle Boulet - Blog 2

Considering the different environmental factors that exist in the lives of a student is important for any teacher. Each aspect of society impacts children in different ways. The text discussed the presence of microsystems, the immediate setting and people surrounding a child, exosystems, people and places that impact the child indirectly, and macrosystems, the larger environment surrounding the child (43) and each of these systems is influential for each individual.

            Durkheim believed that the purpose of “education in society to instill society’s morals in the minds (and actions) of young people” (20). He believed that all children should be taught to follow set moral guidelines in order for society to function. However, not all children understand lessons the same way. Children bring all of their past experiences into class with them. Experiences based on class, gender, religion, race, and many other factors can influence how each child interprets a lesson. A general set of anything cannot be taught to a group of students who are not general. In Canada, we have a multicultural society, even a concept as seemingly simple as family can be confusing to a child who “comes from a different background where ‘family’ constitutes an extended family or even an entire community” (47). When students are not able to relate to what is being taught, they will become disconnected from the lessons. It is important to acknowledge the individual experiences that each child has because those experiences are brought into class with them.

Discussion Question: How can you take each child’s perspective into account when preparing lessons? How can you ensure that each lesson be relevant for different children?