Overview
This lecture covers the various factors influencing student behaviour, emphasizing the roles of individual characteristics, immediate environments, indirect environments, and broader cultural and political influences.
Key Influences on Student Behaviour
- Student behaviour is shaped by family, peers, school, and the wider community, as well as personal traits like age and temperament.
- Social-ecological systems theory explains how multiple layers of environment impact learning, wellbeing, and behaviour.
Risk and Protective Factors
- Risk factors (e.g., economic disadvantage) raise the likelihood of behavioural problems.
- Protective factors (e.g., supportive family) can lessen the impact of risks.
- Some students show resilience, developing normally despite significant risk factors.
Individual Factors
- Personal characteristics like age, sex, personality, mental and physical health interact with environment to shape behaviour.
- Hormones and biological differences affect motivation, emotional regulation, and resilience development.
- Sensitivity to stress and biological traits influence how students respond to their environment.
Immediate Environments
- Close relationships with peers, teachers, and family strongly influence development.
- Parental involvement in school activities acts as a protective factor for learning and wellbeing.
Indirect Environments
- Environments not directly involving the student (e.g., parents’ links with services, community agencies) still affect development.
- Online environments' impact depends on Internet access and use at home and school.
Cultural and Political Environments
- Broader cultural, political, and economic factors shape learning and behaviour.
- State and national frameworks and policies influence educational approaches and student wellbeing.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Social-ecological systems theory — Framework describing how various environmental levels affect an individual’s development.
- Risk factor — A characteristic or situation that increases chances of behavioural issues.
- Protective factor — A condition that helps minimize or buffer against risk factors.
- Resilience — The ability to achieve developmental milestones despite adversity.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review provided factsheets on Adverse Childhood Experiences, fight-flight-freeze responses, ecological perspectives, and risk and resilience.
- Familiarize with frameworks and policies mentioned for further understanding of systemic influences.