Maslows Hierarchy of Needs and Education Essay example -- Education E

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and Education Walk through any school and one fact becomes strikingly clear, every student is different. Living conditions, health, and confidence are a few of the factors that vary dramatically from student to student. However, one commonality can be detected among all learners, they all have needs. Although many individuals might disagree on the importance of these needs, the needs themselves are apparent. One psychological theory, developed by Abraham Maslow, is that our needs can be arranged in â€Å"a hierarchy ascending from such basic physiological needs as hunger and thirst through safety and love needs to needs for esteem, and ultimately, self-actualization† (Mischel 211). Commonly known as Maslow’s hierachy of needs, this theory is based on the assumption that all people have the desire to maximize their potential and strive to do what they are capable of doing. Both maximizing potential and striving to find capability are important goals in education. In turn, if a student cannot sufficiently satisfy one of their needs in the Maslow’s hierarchy, they will never reach their full potential. In essence, educators must become familiar with Maslow’s hierarchy and be prepared to mold their classroom into an environment that allows students to fulfill their needs when other surroundings, such as homes or social settings, do not encourage or allow the satisfaction of needs. I, as a future educator, have developed methods and approaches for dealing with students who are deficient in areas of Maslow’s hierarchy. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs forms the shape of a triangle, with physiological needs placed at the bottom. Physiological needs include food, clothing, and sleep. Obviously, these ... ...needs are not being fulfilled. In essence, an educator will be more effective if they have an arsenal of approaches for dealing with students who are deficient in areas of Maslow’s triangle. Works Cited Jones, Michael. â€Å"Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Can Lower Recidivism.† Corrections Today 66.4 (2004) : 18–22. Kiel, Joan M. â€Å"Reshaping Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to Reflect Today’s Educational and Managerial Philosophies.† Journal of Instructional Psychology 26.3 (1999) : 167-168. Maslow, A.H. The Farther Reaches of Human Nature. New York: The Viking Press, 1971. Mischel, Harriet, and Walter Mischel. Readings in Personality. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc., 1973. Mischel, Walter. Introduction to Personality.4th ed. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc.,1986. Perks, Carol Ann. â€Å"Get a Life!†. Teaching Pre K-8. 30.1 (1999) : 74-76.