{"id":5041,"date":"2024-05-30T19:09:06","date_gmt":"2024-05-30T19:09:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/?p=5041"},"modified":"2024-05-30T19:15:14","modified_gmt":"2024-05-30T19:15:14","slug":"humanist-theory-in-education","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/humanist-theory-in-education\/","title":{"rendered":"Humanism in Education: Definition, Pros &amp; Cons"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-width:2px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\" open><summary>\u27a1\ufe0f Video Lesson<\/summary>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Humanism in Education (Are you a Humanist Teacher?)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/0_aOCgJaZPA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-width:2px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"><summary>\u27a1\ufe0f Study Card<\/summary>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignfull size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"724\" src=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/humanistic-psychology-examples-and-definition-1024x724.jpg\" alt=\"humanistic psychology examples and definition, explained below\" class=\"wp-image-34911\" srcset=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/humanistic-psychology-examples-and-definition-1024x724.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/humanistic-psychology-examples-and-definition-300x212.jpg 300w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/humanistic-psychology-examples-and-definition-768x543.jpg 768w, https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/humanistic-psychology-examples-and-definition.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Definition of Humanism in Education<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The humanistic theory of teaching and learning is an educational theory that believes in teaching the &#8216;whole&#8217; child. A <a href=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/humanism-examples\/\">humanist approach<\/a> will have a strong focus on students&#8217; emotional wellbeing and eternally view children as innately good &#8216;at the core&#8217;.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some scholarly definitions of humanism that you might want to use in your essay:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.ca\/books?isbn=0170353117\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Duchesne &amp; McMaugh (2016, p. 263)<\/a><\/strong> argue that humanist theorists \u201cconsider the broad needs of children, including not just cognitive but also social and emotional needs.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.ca\/books?isbn=1317343220\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Crain (2015, p. 363)<\/a><\/strong> points out that the focus of humanist psychology is helping people (humans!) to achieve their personal best. He argues that humanists \u201chave proposed that people, to a much greater extent than has been realized, are free and creative beings, capable of growth and self-actualization.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.ca\/books?isbn=9460915779\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Veugelers (2011, p. 1)<\/a><\/strong> argues that humanist education \u201cfocuses on developing rationality, autonomy, empowerment, creativity, affections and a concern for humanity.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/academia.edu.documents\/38196039\/8897-19713-1-PBPUBLSHED_ARTICLE.pdf?response-content-disposition=inline%3B%20filename%3DHumanistic_Education_Concerns_Implicatio.pdf&amp;X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&amp;X-Amz-Credential=AKIAIWOWYYGZ2Y53UL3A%2F20190606%2Fus-east-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&amp;X-Amz-Date=20190606T124142Z&amp;X-Amz-Expires=3600&amp;X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&amp;X-Amz-Signature=d408316d71e7431daf025f376bb76fd36f727c36353a3c1a175b9eafe3764b1c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Khatib, Sarem and Hamidi (2013, p. 45)<\/strong><\/a> argue that humanist education \u201cemphasizes the importance of the inner world of the learner and places the individual\u2019s thought, emotions and feelings at the forefront of all human development.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Origins of Humanist Education<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In the early 20<sup>th<\/sup> Century (early 1900s), behaviorism and psychoanalysis were the dominant educational theories. Humanists thought both these theories had very negative perceptions of learners. These theories tried to diagnose and \u2018fix\u2019 learners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In reaction, humanistic education emerged. <strong>Humanists argued that people should stop seeing learners as \u2018defunct\u2019 or \u2018in deficit\u2019.<\/strong> Instead, humanists focussed on how we could help learners bring out the best in themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another thing humanism rejected was the assumption that learners were easily controlled by rewards and punishments. Humanists thought this \u2018behaviorist\u2019 approach of rewards and punishments failed to see that humans are complex thinkers. We\u2019re driven by many different factors, and one major one is of course our <strong>emotions<\/strong>: how we\u2019re feeling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>You can\u2019t just <em>punish<\/em> someone when they do something wrong. No, no, no!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To humanists, you need to explore the factors underpinning their bad behavior. Maybe they\u2019re cold, hungry or feeling unsafe! If we fix the underlying problem, the person will probably start behaving more appropriately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, humanists emerged largely as a reaction to the negativity and simplicity of behaviorist beliefs about childhood. If you want to learn more about behaviorism, <a href=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/behaviorism\/\">check our article on behaviorism out here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Assumptions of Humanism<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A humanist educator&#8217;s teaching strategy will have four philosophical pillars. These pillars will guide the teacher&#8217;s beliefs and, ultimately, how they teach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The four pillars are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/free-will-examples\/\">Humans have Free Will<\/a>: <\/strong>We have free choice to do and think what we want;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Emotions impact Learning: <\/strong>We need to be in a positive emotional state to achieve our best;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Intrinsic Motivation is Best: <\/strong>We generally have an internal desire to become our best selves;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Humans are Innately Good: <\/strong>Humans are good at the core.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<p>For a deep dive, read each of the following explanations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-width:2px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"><summary>\u27a1\ufe0f Humans have Free Will<\/summary>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Humans have Free Will<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Humanist educators strongly advocate for the concept of free will in the learning process. They believe that students should have the autonomy to make choices about their education, which empowers them and enhances their intrinsic motivation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By allowing students to direct their own learning paths, humanist educators argue that individuals can better align their educational experiences with their personal interests, goals, and values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This freedom of choice is seen as essential for personal growth and self-actualization, key tenets of humanist philosophy.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-width:2px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"><summary>\u27a1\ufe0f Emotions Impact Learning<\/summary>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Emotions Impact Learning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Our emotions are important to humanists. Emotions (or what we often refer to in educational psychology as \u2018affect\u2019) will shape how, what, when, and how well we will learn something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re grumpy, sad, frustrated or distressed, you\u2019re probably not going to learn too well. When I\u2019m worried about something, I spend all my time thinking about it \u2013 and I forget to concentrate!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, humanists think we should pay attention to emotions and make sure our learners are feeling positive, relaxed and comfortable. These are emotions that will make us ready to learn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, humanists think other theorists like behaviorists, <a href=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/cognitive-tools\/\">cognitivists<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/sociocultural-theory-education\/\">sociocultural theorists<\/a> don\u2019t pay enough attention to emotions. While other theories pay attention to things like social and cognitive (mental processes) learning, they seem to overlook that our emotions have a really important impact on how well we learn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Humanists want to solve that problem. Below, you\u2019ll read all about different ways in which they do this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Related Post: <a href=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/emotion-in-education\/\">How emotions influence our learning.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-width:2px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"><summary>\u27a1\ufe0f Intrinsic Motivation is Best<\/summary>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Intrinsic Motivation is Best<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Humanist educators emphasize that intrinsic motivation is the cornerstone of effective and meaningful learning. They believe that when students are motivated by personal interest and internal satisfaction, they engage more deeply with the material and develop a lasting love for learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This internal drive, according to humanists like Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers, is crucial for reaching one&#8217;s full potential or self-actualization. They argue that learning should be self-directed, allowing students to pursue their interests and goals, which inherently motivates them from within.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, humanist educators stress the importance of creating a supportive and positive learning environment. They believe that when students feel valued and respected, they are more likely to be intrinsically motivated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Education, in this view, should not only focus on intellectual growth but also nurture emotional and social development. By addressing the holistic needs of students and providing them with autonomy, humanist educators aim to foster a natural and enduring motivation to learn.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-width:2px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"><summary>\u27a1\ufe0f Humans are Fundamentally Good<\/summary>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Humans are Fundamentally Good<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/humanistic-theory-of-personality\/\">humanistic theory of personality<\/a>, we are all fundamentally good people, humanists argue. We\u2019re not born evil or start out with evil intentions. And we all seem to want the best for ourselves and our tribe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So why do people end up being bad, even evil?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Well, according to humanist theorists, people do bad things because they have not been nurtured the right ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When our fundamental needs as humans are not fulfilled, we might act out. When a young person is treated inhumanely in childhood, they may go on to act inhumanely as a response. When someone is hungry, they may get grumpy and act out. But, if we treat young people well and ensure their needs are cared for, they\u2019ll be able to focus on being good, well-rounded and fulfilled human beings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, something really nice about humanism is that humanist teachers tend to see the good in their students. Even when a student is playing up, the teacher doesn\u2019t hand out punishments to try to \u2018fix\u2019 the student. Instead, the teacher says \u201cwhat needs aren\u2019t being fulfilled here?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Related Post: <a href=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/social-constructions-of-childhood-examples\/\">How do you see children? Good? Evil? Innocent?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Theorist: Abraham Maslow<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/maslows-hierarchy-of-needs-examples\/\">Maslow\u2019s Hierarchy of Needs<\/a> is a famous pyramid that shows the fundamental things that people need in order to be fulfilled in their lives.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Maslow created the Hierarchy of Needs after examining the lives of a group of highly successful people including Mahatma Gandhi, Albert Einstein, Abraham Lincoln and Elanor Roosevelt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to Maslow, each of these successful people had each of these needs fulfilled, which let them climb to the top of the pyramid and reach <strong>\u2018self-actualization\u2019<\/strong> (a sense of fulfilment). Maslow thought only about 1% of all people reached self-actualization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The hierarchy has two types of needs:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Basic Needs: <\/strong>At the bottom of the pyramid are basic needs or what we sometimes call deficit needs or deprivation needs. When we don\u2019t have these needs, we\u2019re motivated to fulfil them by any means necessary.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Growth Needs: <\/strong>Once we have our basic needs satisfied, we work on growth needs or what we sometimes call being needs or esteem needs. These are the needs that have to be met to reach self-actualization.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Maslow thinks all of us strive to meet the needs on his pyramid every day of our life, but only few of us make it all the way to the top. Supposedly, we can\u2019t meet higher-up needs until we\u2019ve successfully met the lower needs on the pyramid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s the hierarchy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Maslow-Hierarchy-of-Needs-e1558877123331.jpg\" alt=\"maslow's hierarchy of needs in education infographic\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Physiological Needs (a basic need): <\/strong>Not to be confused with \u2018psychological\u2019, physiological needs are the things that we <em>physically<\/em> need to survive. These include: water, clothing, shelter, and food.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Safety, Protection and Security Needs (a basic need):<\/strong> We all need to be safe from harm in order to thrive in life. If we\u2019re always looking over our shoulder to see if we\u2019re going to get whacked, we\u2019re less likely to concentrate on learning anything new!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Belongingness and Love (a basic need): <\/strong>Once we have successfully met our physical and safety needs, we can start working on developing relationships. All humans need positive relationships to be fulfilled. This might include having a sense that you\u2019re included and belong in a classroom, that you\u2019ve got a loving family to go home to, and that you have a group of friends to lean on in times of trouble.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Esteem (a growth need): \u2018<\/strong>Esteem\u2019 means to be thought well of. You need to think well of yourself (<a href=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/self-esteem-examples\/\">self-esteem<\/a>) but also have others think well of you. If you have low opinions of yourself, you\u2019ll set low standards for yourself and never be able to climb higher up the pyramid.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Self-actualization (a growth need): <\/strong>The need for self-actualization is the feeling that you want to become the best you can be, now that all your needs have been met. You can go on to pursue creative endeavours and succeed to the best of your abilities because you\u2019re not busy fighting to have all your other needs fulfilled.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Examples of Maslow\u2019s Hierarchy of Needs in the Classroom<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-width:2px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"><summary>\u27a1\ufe0f Physiological Needs in the Classroom<\/summary>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Physiological Needs in the Classroom<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Food \u2013 <\/strong>If a child comes to class hungry, they may not be in a fit state to study. To address this, teachers can implement <a href=\"http:\/\/www.crunchandsip.com.au\/program-info\/about-crunchsip\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Crunch n Sip<\/a> time, start a <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/School_breakfast_club\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Breakfast Club<\/a>, or develop a partnership with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/uk-england-norfolk-46556558\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">local food bank<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Water \u2013 <\/strong>Teachers can encourage students to drink water before entering the classroom or encourage students to have a clear <a href=\"http:\/\/www.flutteringthroughfirstgrade.com\/2012\/04\/domino-effect.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">water bottle sitting on their desk<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Clothing \u2013<\/strong> I once had a student who started coming to class wearing a hoodie in the middle of the summer. Why? Because her mother had recently left the family and the father wasn\u2019t coping. He hadn\u2019t done the washing in weeks and my poor student didn\u2019t have any shirts to wear. <strong>The solution?<\/strong> Our school parents\u2019 committee had a clothing collection that the student could ruffle through to find a shirt she liked, while I contacted the appropriate liaison officer to get the dad some support.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-width:2px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"><summary>\u27a1\ufe0f Safety Needs in the Classroom<\/summary>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Safety Needs in the Classroom<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Safe from Guns \u2013 <\/strong>As an Australian-Canadian, I was shocked when an American Grade 1 teacher relayed how worried she was about gunmen entering her school. I knew it was a worry in an abstract sense for teachers in the US. But I\u2019d never put myself in the shoes of a worried teacher who felt that it might happened to her students any day. I feel for the poor students who have to have this thought go through their minds while trying to study.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Safe from Strangers \u2013<\/strong> Most schools these days required all visitors to school grounds to head to the front office to get a nametag and sign-in. This is to ensure students feel safe and don\u2019t have strangers walking in and out of their classrooms for no reason.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Safe from Harm \u2013<\/strong> Classrooms need to keep sharp or dangerous materials a safe distance from students. Cords that could trip students up and tables with splinters need to be replaced so students can concentrate on learning rather than being exposed to harm.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-width:2px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"><summary>\u27a1\ufe0f Belongingness Needs in the Classroom<\/summary>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Belongingness Needs in the Classroom<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Memberships \u2013<\/strong> Inclusion of students in <a href=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/classroom-layouts\/\">table groups in class<\/a>, afterschool clubs and class research groups can help give them a sense of ownership over the classroom.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Democratic Class Rules \u2013 <\/strong>Students who create their own<a href=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/netiquette-rules\/\"> classroom rules<\/a> may feel a greater sense of belonging and ownership in the classroom.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Display Walls \u2013<\/strong> Having exemplary artworks or photos of students on the walls of the classroom can make students feel as if the classroom is a place where they are included and belong.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Diversity in class books \u2013 <\/strong>Students who are of minority backgrounds may feel <a href=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/underrepresented-groups-examples\/\">as if their identities are underrepresented<\/a> in the classroom. Diverse protagonists in books and diverse representation in imagery around the classroom can help students feel as if their identity is included and respected.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-width:2px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"><summary>\u27a1\ufe0f Esteem Needs in the Classroom<\/summary>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Esteem Needs in the Classroom<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Celebration of Successes \u2013<\/strong> When a student succeeds, feel free to publicly promote that success. When students see their peers spoken about positively, your example may rub-off. Be the leader in having high regard (\u2018esteem\u2019) for your own students.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Promotion of Self-Belief \u2013<\/strong> Encourage students to believe in their own abilities to succeed. Teach students about growth mindsets which emphasize that success comes from effort. When students internalize this attitude, they will begin to see themselves as powerful and capable learners.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>High Expectations \u2013 <\/strong>Set <a href=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/high-expectations-for-students\/\">high expectations for students<\/a> and praise them only when something is praiseworthy. If you overdo praise, students will not respond well \u2013 so give praise genuinely!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Strengths and Limitations of Maslow\u2019s Hierarchy of Needs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Here are the pros of Maslow\u2019s Hierarchy:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>A focus on emotions \u2013<\/strong> There are not many educational theories that take into account students\u2019 emotional (\u2018affective\u2019) states. Maslow\u2019s hierarchy helps to address this flaw.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Clear and understandable \u2013<\/strong> I can see several flaws in Maslow\u2019s hierarchy (see next point) but it\u2019s a good starting point for stimulating discussion about the importance of emotions in learning.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>A positive outlook \u2013<\/strong> the hierarchy sees students as all having positive potential and able to climb to the top.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Here are the cons of Maslow\u2019s Hierarchy:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Linear \u2013<\/strong> It is evident that people can succeed and learn in very troubling, difficult situations. Students can succeed through poverty, war and hardship to rise to become doctors and artists. Maslow\u2019s hierarchy doesn\u2019t take into account the fact that some people can learn despite some of their basic needs not being fully met.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Methodologically Limited \u2013 <\/strong>Maslow developed the hierarchy by looking at a small subset of successful people. The hierarchy is not statistically relevant and lacks a clear evidence base.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>(Note: later in this article there is also a list of general strengths and limitations of humanist theory overall, which you can jump to by clicking here.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Theorist: Carl Rogers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Carl Rogers was another highly influential humanist theorist.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s an overview of Rogers\u2019 key concepts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Actualizing Tendency: <\/strong>According to Rogers, we all have a tendency to strive toward personal growth. We all have ambitions to be better. Rogers called this an \u2018actualizing tendency\u2019, and used this concept to underpin his ideas about education.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Freedom to learn: <\/strong>Rogers write the book <em>Freedom to Learn<\/em> which outlines how it is important for students to be freed from the constraints of a school curriculum in order that they can be free to explore things they are interested in. If we are freed to learn what we <strong>choose<\/strong> to learn (emphasis on free choice here!), we will learn things that our actualizing tendency (desire for self-improvement) lead us towards. This may mean we end up learning more, and learning things that are more important to us personally<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/unconditional-positive-regard-examples\/\">Unconditional positive regard<\/a>:<\/strong> We have already seen from Maslow that humanists believe students need to have strong self-esteem (positive regard for themselves). Rogers believes that we can help students achieve stronger self-esteem by unconditionally seeing students in a positive light. Much like a parent who loves their child unconditionally, teachers have to see that their students are fundamentally good, even when they\u2019re at their worst.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Facilitation:<\/strong> Because humanists don\u2019t believe there should be a set curriculum or learning outcomes, teachers become <a href=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/guided-practice\/\">facilitators rather than authority figures<\/a>. Teachers encourage students to seek new knowledge and provide the materials and support needed. This approach is very similar to the approach used in constructivist and sociocultural education.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Intrinsic motivation: <\/strong>Rogers believes schools have historically repressed intrinsic motivation that we all had before we went to school. Here\u2019s a great <a href=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/quotes\/\">quote<\/a> from Rogers:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cI become very irritated with the notion that students must be \u201cmotivated.\u201d The young human being is intrinsically motivated to a high degree. Many elements of his environment constitute challenges for him. He is curious, eager to discover, eager to know, eager to solve problems. A sad part of most education is that by the time the child has spent a number of years in school this intrinsic motivation is pretty well dampened.\u201d (Rogers, as cited in Schunk, 2012, p. 355).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Related Post: <a href=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/intrinsic-vs-extrinsic-motivation\/\">Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation in the Classroom<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Examples of Rogers\u2019 Humanistic Theory in the Classroom<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If we are to follow Rogers\u2019 humanistic teaching approach, we would do some of the following things:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-width:2px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"><summary>\u27a1\ufe0f No Set Curriculum<\/summary>\n<p>Throw out the dry, uninspiring learning outcomes and help students learn things that are motivating and inspiring in their own lives.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-width:2px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"><summary>\u27a1\ufe0f Encourage Choice<\/summary>\n<p>Ask the students not only how they want to learn but <strong>what <\/strong>they want to learn.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-width:2px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"><summary>\u27a1\ufe0f Encourage Inquiry Learning<\/summary>\n<p>When students have chosen a topic to learn about, give them rich resources and an <a href=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/unstructured-play-based-learning\/\">inquiry-based learning environment<\/a> so students can explore their interests without having them stifled by nasty worksheet printouts!<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-width:2px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"><summary>\u27a1\ufe0f Act as a Facilitator<\/summary>\n<p>Don\u2019t stand out the front of the class and teach in a teacher-centered manner that you might find from behaviorist theory. Instead, facilitate learning by creating the right learning environment for students to explore.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-width:2px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"><summary>\u27a1\ufe0f Express Unconditional Positive Regard<\/summary>\n<p>Even when students are playing up, we need to have positive regard for our students by being empathetic, positive and supportive as educators. Our language should show students we have high regard for them: \u201cThis is not like you, I know you as a lovely person usually!\u201d, \u201cLet\u2019s start tomorrow fresh and believe in ourselves that tomorrow will be a better day where you go back to being your well-behaved self.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Strengths and Weaknesses of the Humanist Theory of Education<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Strengths of humanism in education include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Unlike many theories that attempt to diagnose weaknesses, humanism sees the best in everyone and works hard to promote it;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is an empowering philosophy that sees young people as powerful and capable;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It considers emotional states and how they impact learning, unlike many other theories;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is holistic, meaning it sees the \u2018whole child\u2019. It will look at cognitive, social and emotional aspects meaning it has many <a href=\"https:\/\/helpfulprofessor.com\/pedagogical-skills\/\">pedagogical<\/a> overlaps with cognitive and social constructivist theories, but also adds the \u2018emotional\u2019 elements;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<p><strong>Weaknesses of humanism in education include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It does not follow a set curriculum. This aspect of humanism may be incompatible with contemporary schools which usually have a standardized curriculum that students need to learn from;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If it were implemented in schools, every student would leave school having different knowledge. Sometimes students need to learn things like mathematics even if they don\u2019t have intrinsic desire to learn about it!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Some students require structure and routine to learn effectively. With its emphasis on choice-based learning, aspects of humanism may not work well for such students.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-width:2px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"><summary>\u27a1\ufe0f References and Further Reading<\/summary>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">References and Further Reading<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Bates, B. (2019). <em>Learning Theories Simplified: &#8230;and how to apply them to teaching.<\/em> London: Sage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Crain, W. (2015). <em>Theories of Development: Concepts and Applications: Concepts and Applications.<\/em> London: Routledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Duchesne, S. &amp; McMaugh, A. (2016). <em>Educational Psychology for Learning and Teaching<\/em>. Melbourne: Cengage Learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Khatib, M., Sarem, S. N., &amp; Hamidi, H. (2013). Humanistic Education: Concerns, Implications and Applications.&nbsp;<em>Journal of Language Teaching &amp; Research<\/em>,&nbsp;<em>4<\/em>(1), pp. 45 &#8211; 51.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Schunk, D. H. (2012). <em>Learning Theories: An Educational Perspective. <\/em>Boston: Pearson Education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Veugelers, W. (2011). Introduction: Linking autonomy and humanity. In: Veugelers, W. (Ed.). <em>Education and Humanism: Linking Autonomy and Humanity <\/em>(pp. 1 \u2013 7). Rotterdam: Sense Publishers.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Read these 11+ Crib Notes on Humanism in Education. Including: brief explanations of all main points, Maslow, strenghts &#038; weaknesses, plus 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