Good 

teachers are always looking for ways to improve their methods to help students
thrive in their classroom. Different learning theories and techniques help teachers
connect with different students based on their learning style and abilities. Teaching
strategies that are student-centered often have great success in helping students learn
and grow better. Learner-centered approaches place the student as the authority in the
educational setting, helping ensure that they are the focus of education and are in
control of their learning to an extent. 
The idea of student-centered learning is an example of the humanistic learning theory in
action. It’s valuable for current and aspiring educators alike to learn about student-
centered education and other humanistic approaches to use in their classroom. These
approaches can be vital in helping students truly learn and succeed in their education.
Learn more about the humanistic learning theory and discover how it can be
implemented in the classroom.   

The humanistic theory in education.

In history humanistic psychology is an outlook or system of thought that focuses on
human beings rather than supernatural or divine insight. This system stresses that human
beings are inherently good, and that basic needs are vital to human behaviors.
Humanistic psychology also focuses on finding rational ways to solve these human
problems. At its root, the psychology of humanism focuses on human virtue. It has been
an important movement throughout history, from Greek and Latin roots to Renaissance
and now modern revivals. 
This theory and approach in education takes root in humanistic psychology, with the key
concepts focusing 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 in
order for them to learn well. For example, a student who is hungry won’t have as much
attention to give 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. Bugental in the early 1900’s. Humanism was a response to the common
educational theories at the time, which were behaviorism and psychoanalysis. Abraham
Maslow is considered the father of the movement, with Carl Rogers and James F.T.
Bugental adding to the psychology later down the line.
  https://www.wgu.edu/blog/what-humanistic-learning-theory-
education2007.html#:~:text=The%20humanistic%20theory%20approach
%20engages,as%20part%20of%20their%20education.&text=Maslow%20and
%20humanistic%20psychology%20suggests,all%20their%20needs%20are
%20met.

 Maslow: let children grow

. Abraham Maslow was an American psychologist who in 1943 published his hierarchy of needs to
explain human motivation. He considered there were five needs – physiological, safety, love, esteem
and self-actualization and he put them in the shape of a pyramid.

Maslow‘s theory has its supporters and its critics. The main criticism being that his theory isn’t based on
rigorous empirical data, but more on philosophy. However, the theory still serves as a simple framework
and helpful reminder, that all learners are less likely to be successful if their basic needs are not met.
Maslow‘s hierarchy of needs can help focus on what children need, and to identify where there are
gaps, for example, breakfast may be provided for children who come to school hungry.

If you go through the details of the needs this may become clearer:

 Physiological needs are about having the right nutrition and water, access to fresh air, enough
rest and exercise.
 Safety needs are about security and feeling safe – physically and emotionally, the need to have
shelter/a home and to have stability in one‘s life.

 Belongingness and love and are to do with others, the social side of
feeling that you belong, are connected, loved and included.

 Esteem needs concerns inner self – having feelings of achievement,

being recognized, having power over one’s life and being a person
different from another person.

 Self-actualization is to do with achieving one’s full potential, being

creative and finding that specialness of oneself.
From a purely child development stance, all child developmental needs are
encompassed in Maslow’s theory – physical development, emotional
development, social development, cognitive and language development and
aesthetic development.

https://www.futurelearn.com/info/courses/supporting-learning-primary/0/steps/58666