Building The Pyramid: Students And Maslow's Hierarchy Of Needs

In terms of learning, a worthwhile instrument to draw on is Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Since every learner has his or her personal position on their heirarchy of needs, including physiological, safety, social, esteem, as well as self-actualization at distinct points in time, it's unthinkable to attempt and educate just before a mass audience.

Students at the physiological stage usually prove to be the most challenging to instruct. Great attention and interest should be taken to classify these scholars, because a learner without enough sleep or food in all probability won't have the motivation or desire required to excel much within school. Tutors are of the ultimate significance to keep these scholars paying attention. In certain situations, such a learner can really derive benefit from tutoring or mentoring of some variety.

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.

A lack of safety can also inhibit their social requirements. Students with a poor or dangerous upbringing can lack the skills for necessary social interaction with other school age people. A child who transfers their fear of their father to others can have psychological scars which restrain their social growth beyond repair. Forcing students to work in groups can help them overcome their shyness or fear of intimacy with others. Sometimes the best way to achieve a goal is to be thrust upon it, willingly or not.

In the educational process the last two stages, esteem and self-actualization, are not as important. Even if a student lacks self-esteem, they can still focus on their education. So their self-esteem does not impede their educational progress, and said progress can even give them a strength from which to build their self-esteem. The boost of optimism that education gives low-esteem students could encourage them to be more successful.

Of course, not every student will reach the top of Maslow's pyramid, but encouraging and supporting all students on their way can give them that extra boost to strive for the next level. Maslow says that everyone marches to his own drummer, and a good educator can help each student as he or she tries to do just that.