Humanism is a learning theory that focuses on the learner's potential for growth. It views the teacher as a facilitator and believes people construct meaning through experiences. Key figures in humanism include Maslow, who developed the hierarchy of needs, and Rogers, who emphasized student-centered learning and client-centered therapy. The goal of humanism is to develop self-actualized people through a supportive learning environment. When using technology, students can work more independently to seek out information, while teachers can better evaluate individual student growth. However, technology also reduces group work and personal attention from teachers.
2. Key Points
Teacher as facilitator
People act with intentionality and values
“Opposite” of Behaviorism
Central tenets of learning
Discovering knowledge
Constructing meaning
3. Goal of Humanism
To develop self-actualized people in a cooperative,
supportive environment
4. Psychologists
Abraham Maslow
Hierarchy of needs
Concentrated on human ability of self actualization
− Realized lower level needs (safety, etc) need to be met and
sustained before self-actualization
Carl Rogers
Amount the founders to Humanistic psychology.
Focused on individual centered activities
− Student-centered learning
− Client-centered therapy
5. John Holt
“The human is a learning animal; we like to learn;
we are good at it; we don’t need to be shown how or
made to do it.”
Believed interference killed education
Pushed home-schooling
6. Malcolm Knowles
Believed and focused on adult education
“Adragogny” – the adult equivalent of “pedagogy”
Five assumptions
The need to know
The learner self-concept
Role of learners’ experience
Readiness to learn
Orientation to learning
7. Implications(Student)
•With technology, students are
more likely and driven to seek
out answers and information of
their own.
•Students using technology in
the classroom are forced to use
their own reasoning, rather than
working in groups.
•The information may be
centered around the student
individually because they will be
working on their own.
•Without technology, students can
use books as resources to find
information.
•However, without the assistance of
technology, students are put into
groups more frequently due to time
restrictions and access.
•Working in groups restricts the
amount of personal growth and
attention the students will directly
receive, but he/she will benefit from
the group dynamic.
8. Implications(Teacher)
•When using technology in the
classroom, teachers are better able
to evaluate each students growth
and comprehension of the material
individually.
•Teachers, then, are able to
personally assist students in areas
they are weakest in, and may also
praise students when they
understand the material.
•Without technology, teachers
take a considerable more
amount of time grading
student’s work and therefore
have less time to work one on
one with students in areas they
are having trouble in.
•In a classroom without
technology, the teacher must
find new ways to ensure that
students are engaged and
growing not only as learners,
but also as individuals.
9. Personal Opinion/Use
Humanism appeals to me because of the
freedom it allows.
• Allowing students personal growth
• Expecting students will succeed
• Eliminating negative self-fulfilling
prophecies
I plan on using Humanism at least to some
extent
• Showing/instilling a drive to learn in
my students
• As opposed to a drive for specific
grades or teacher approval
• Trusting my students
• Treating my students not like children,
but closer to equals (as long as they
maintain my respect).
