Humanistic Learning Theory

Humanistic Learning Theory

• What is humanism?
• What is humanistic learning theory in education?
• What are the main concerns of the humanistic perspective?
• What was Carl Rogers' contribution to the humanistic approach?
• What classroom models fall within the Rogerian theory?
•  What are the limitations of humanistic theory?

Rogers' Representative Terminology

👉What is humanistic learning theory in education?

       Definitely, theories provide a basis to develop effective classroom management models, which support both teachers and students to inspire the teaching and learning process. Correspondingly, humanism is a naturalistic philosophy inspired by art and founded on the human experience. It asserts the dignity and worth of man. It is a way of living, thinking, and acting. It says that dogmas, ideologies, and traditions should be weighed and severely tested by each individual. Foundations of humanism can be found in the ideas of classical Greek philosophers such as Epicurus and also in Chinese Confucianism. It was the philosophy of the Renaissance and the Enlightenment. 

   

   Humanistic psychology is an outlook or way of thinking that places greater emphasis on human beings than on supernatural or divine insight. According to this theory, people are inherently good, and basic needs are essential for human behavior. Thus psychologically, the goal of humanistic psychology is also to find rational solutions to human problems. Essentially, it focuses on the idea that children are good at the core and that education should focus on rational ways to teach the “whole” child. This theory states that the student is the authority on how they learn and that all of their needs should be met for them to learn well. For example, a hungry student won’t have as much attention to learning. So schools offer meals to students so that need is met, and they can focus on education. The humanistic theory approach engages social skills, feelings, intellect, artistic skills, practical skills, and more as part of their education. Self-esteem, goals, and full autonomy are key learning elements in the humanistic learning theory. 

✅The humanistic learning theory was developed by Abraham Maslow, Carl Rogers, and James F. T. 

👉What are the main concerns of the humanistic perspective?

      In the humanistic learning theory, there are several key principles that all lead to self-actualization. The most relevant principles of learning for humanistic therapy are those of Carl Rogers since his theories of learning are built on his humanistic theories of person-centered therapy. They include the following:

 

🔑Human beings have a natural potential for learning.    

🔑Much significant learning is acquired through doing.

🔑Self-initiated learning which involves the whole person of the learner-feelings,

 as well as intellect, is the most lasting and pervasive.

🔑Humanism affirms that human beings have the right to give meaning 

 and value to their own lives by their independent thought, free inquiry,

 and creative activity.

🔑Humanism derives the goals of life from human need and interest 

rather than from the transcendent realm.

🔑Humanism believes that human beings possess the power or 

potentiality of solving their own problems using critical thinking 

applied with courage and vision.

🔑Humanism believes in endless questioning of basic assumptions 

and convictions.

🔑Humanism believes that all beliefs are fallible and provisional, and 

that diversity and dialogue are essential to the process of learning and developing. 

Thus they value tolerance, pluralism, and open-mindedness as positive and beneficial 

qualities in society.

🔑Humanism recognizes that moral values are properly founded on human 

nature and experience alone.

     If we value independence, if we are disturbed by the growing conformity of knowledge, of values, of attitudes, which our present system induces, then we may wish to set up conditions of learning which make for uniqueness, for self-direction, and self-initiated learning. Thus humanism will affirm life rather than deny it, seek to elicit the possibilities of life, not flee from them, and endeavor to establish the conditions of a satisfactory life for all.