Humanist

The humanist (http://www.abraham-maslow.com/m_motivation/Humanistic-Psychology.asp) approach to pedagogy and development focuses on the individual development of knowledge. Like Constructivism and cognitive psychology, the humanist approach takes into account the personal and environmental factors that contribute to our ability to learn. There is also a level of personal responsibility of learning that is central to humanism. In order to achieve, the learner must be self-reflective of his or her own learning.

Humanism places value in every individual to achieve their own potential within their given context. Abraham Maslow (http://www.businessballs.com/maslow.htm) and Carl Rogers (http://www.carlrogers.info/) are famous humanist that developed theories that supported the belief that learners have basic human needs that must be fulfilled in order achieve.

Maslow’s Pyramid of Needs reflects all the levels humans require for effective learning, such as basic food and health needs, friendship, love, self-esteem and belief in achievement. Humanists believe that all these things are required to become a “fully functioning” (Rogers, C) human and achieve higher-level learning such as creation and analysis. (Blooms taxonomy) http://www.learningandteaching.info/learning/bloomtax.htm

What does this means for your classroom?

In today’s classrooms, teachers need to be more than just teachers. They are caterers, mothers, motivators, councillors, nutritionists and security guards.
By being aware of each student’s individual capabilities and home environment, as well as remaining abreast of all school social justice issues, such as bullying seems impossible for teachers, however there are whole school strategies that can be implemented to help provide a supportive learning environment.

1. Running before and afterschool care, as well as breakfast and lunch schemes within schools will help provide students with basic nutrients. Red Cross Good Start Breakfast Club. http://www.redcross.org.au/ourservices_acrossaustralia_goodstartbreakfastclub.htm

2. Running social justice schemes such as peer support and bullying workshops will help reduce social discrimination and provide a safe and friendly environment for learning. Bullying NO WAY. http://www.bullyingnoway.com.au/

3. Offer achievement incentives such as merit aware systems for student to encourage achievement of personal bests. Reward Systems http://www.teachingideas.co.uk/more/management/contents02rewards.htm