Meeting Maslow in the Classroom

In terms of schooling, a helpful tool to draw on is the Maslow pyramid of needs. Given that every scholar has his or her particular place on their heirarchy of needs, including physiological, safety, social, esteem, as well as self-actualization at different periods, it's unacceptable to attempt and tutor to a mass audience.

Scholars at the physiological level more often than not prove to be the most demanding to educate. Great care and concern should be taken in order to recognize these scholars, since a scholar without sufficient rest or food in all probability will not have the motivation or desire essential to excel much in the education process. Tutors are of the utmost significance in order to keep these scholars attentive. In certain situations, such a scholar might truly derive benefit from tutoring or mentoring of some type.

Students are able to benefit most academically when they are able to enjoy a safe, secure home life. Students who face fearful situations outside the classroom, in their neighborhoods, or through abuse at home may find it difficult to focus on their academic goals. These students should be identified by educators whenever possible and earmarked for special help in overcoming the obstacles that an unstable life outside of school can create for a student in school.

Not having a sufficient feeling of personal safety can hurt individuals, as well. For example, students with dangerous home lives can exhibit antisocial or age-inappropriate behavior that makes normal social interactions difficult or impossible. A child who grows up with a fearful relationship with his father can bear the weight of psychological damage for years and lack the ability to make and maintain healthy relationships. Extremely shy students can benefit and learn social skills as they are encouraged to work in small groups. It's not always easy to achieve a social goal, but sometimes it's necessary to push an individual to obtain success.

The last two stages of esteem and self-actualization are less influential in the educational process. There reaches a point where the focus is enough that education is not impeded. While a student may lack self-esteem, they may still be able to channel their energy towards their education, perhaps making education their area of strength to build from. Give these students with low-esteem more boosts, these pushes of optimism could be just what they need to reach the next level of success.

Many young children will not be able to reach this level of self-actualization. When you nurture students as they pass through the Maslow hierarchy you can help them to grow to their own potential. Maslow has said that each individual has unique needs to reach the next level. As teachers, we need to discover those wishes to help the students progress.

Author Info:

Daiv Russell is a marketing and management consultant with Envision Web Marketing. Read more Management Articles, learn about Abraham Harold Maslow and Maslow's needs hierarchy.