Humanistic Learning Theories
As I progressed through the readings over the last two weeks one thing is clear; I have a lot to think about in terms of educational theory. Even though I agree to some level with aspects of each of the learning theories, I kept finding myself drawn to the humanistic theories of teaching. In particular, I found myself relating to many of our underprivileged students that attend our district. As I write this reflection today, my eyes well up with tears, because I myself grew up without many of my basic needs being met. My father was an alcoholic who did not provide, leaving myself, my two sisters, and mother struggling for even the basic necessities. I remember times when I was afraid, hungry, hurt and could not go to the doctor (because my mom didn’t have money and transportation), and even homeless for a short time. Because of these experiences, it is easy for me to have empathy and great compassion for my students who deal with similar circumstances. I also believe that because of the struggles that I went through, I can easily identify with the fact that it is extremely difficult to learn when you are dealing with the daily struggles of getting enough to eat or worrying whether or not you have a place to go home to.
If basic needs are not met, how are students able to move up the hierarchy to self-actualization?
Simply put, they can’t. Students’ physical needs such as food, shelter, love, and safety must be met in order for a humans to move to the higher levels of Maslow’s hierarchy. In my district, it isn’t uncommon to have students in your classroom who have not eaten since the last meal that was served at school. As educators we would be remiss to think that students can learn when they are hungry. The same is true for everything else at the lower levels of the hierarchy. In order for the deepest levels of thought to occur, attention to these needs is vital. Our district has and is participating in two programs to help families who are unable to provide basic needs for their students. One program provides breakfast and lunches for all students regardless of income during the summer months. Additionally, the “Backpack” program provides food for qualifying families during the weekends.
I also began to wonder as I read this week, how important relationships are with students. One of my best memories of elementary school was my 1st grade teacher, Mrs. Rafetto. When she read a story, she would always allow me to sit on her lap. This simple act of kindness meant the world to me, especially at a time of great loss. My father was killed in a drunk driving accident; he was the drunk driver. I’m convinced, Mrs. Rafetto understood the same things Abraham Maslow did. If it weren’t for her, I would not have been the great reader that I was beginning in 1st grade. She inspired in me a love for books and a desire within myself to want more. The importance of positive relationships with my teachers has turned me into one of the teachers many students come to for advice, guidance, and a friendly face and ear to listen. I have to be honest, the teachers I didn’t have a relationship with, the ones who made me feel inferior or beneath them, I don’t remember anything about their class. I do remember that they weren’t the kind of people I enjoyed being near, and it was difficult to learn in their classrooms.
Carl Rogers, the originator of experiential learning, explains that students must experience the learning in order for it to be remembered. As with all humanistic learning models, experiential learning focuses on making sure the basic needs of the students are being met through providing a non-threatening, nurturing, highly challenging learning atmospheres, making sure interactions are positive, student-centered and student-directed, emotions and feelings are taken into consideration, and students self-reflect. One way I apply experiential learning in my classroom is through structured, cooperative learning groupings that are inquiry based. Students synthesize answers through collaboration with peers, making sure each student has a job to do, and making sure autonomy is occurring. It’s important for me that each and every student feels like they can contribute to the goals of the group.
There are several ways that technology will help our student get to the self-actualization level of Maslow’s hierarchy. First, using specific technologies for individual project creation will help students to be creative, autonomous, and reflective on an individual level. Secondly, technologies for student collaboration will help students gain a voice within the classroom they wouldn’t normally have. Finally, technologies that allow students to share in the completion will allow students to take part in assignments that they may have otherwise felt incapable of completing on their own. I hope you have learned a little about my life, my experiences and why I, as an educator, relate to the humanistic learning theories. I also hope that you enjoy my Learning theories paper. 
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