Humanistic Theory of Learning: Maslow and Rogers..............1
Maslow and Rogers' Contributions to the Recognition of
Varying Learning Styles and the Teaching/Learning Process.....3
How Maslow and Rogers' Humanistic Theory has been Applied
in an Educational Setting.....................................4
How Maslow and Rogers' Theories of Learning Apply to School
Counseling....................................................5
References....................................................7
Humanistic Theory of Learning: Maslow and Rogers
In this report, the theories of learning of the humanists Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers will be described and applied to the educational settings. Maslow's (1968) theory of learning is inextricably interwoven with his model of hierarchy of needs: physiological, safety, sense of belonging, self-esteem and self-actualization. Individuals are motivated to learn in order to satisfy the needs on the hierarchy. Furthermore, only the satisfaction of these specific needs will enable children to develop physically, mentally and psychologically. In order to ensure that children are able to learn successfully, teachers must provide them with a supportive, nurturing and accepting environment that is characterized by unconditional positive regard. Furthermore, the students must be given the freedom to learn through exploration, experimentation and experiences.
Students in these environments will have fulfilled their needs when they feel: a) safe to take the initiative in their learning processes (safety needs); b) a sense of belonging to the class (sense of belonging needs); and c) loved and respected for who they are (self-esteem needs) (Maslow, 1968, 1971). The presence of these aspects will thus enable them to achieve self-actualization and reach their full potentialùa key educational objective that extends beyond the academics (Maslow, cited in Tageson, 1982).
Wit...