How Do You Solve a Problem Like the 'Self-Actualized' Child?

| Thursday, January 26, 2012
By Steve Wilheir


The Theory of Hierarchical Needs as developed by Abraham Maslow was first published in a journal article in 1943. Since that time, the concept has been expanded, revised, and utilized to describe and develop theories about the best ways to motivate individuals regarding a wide variety of subjects, including that of education.

Maslow believed that people experience life through a framework related to satisfying their needs. These needs fall into a hierarchy, starting with the most basic physical needs that are necessary for survival. These survival needs must be met before the person can focus on more complicated needs that are higher in the hierarchy. Once the physical needs are met, safety is the next category. Safety must then be resolved before focusing on more complex social relationships that fall in the next category. These levels are then followed by the need for self-esteem. Finally, the person strives for self-actualization when all the other categories are satisfied.

Maslow's Hierarchy came from the general view of life experiences. It has been applied to those seeking an education as well as many other life situation. For instance, if a child is deprived of the basic necessities such as food, water, and sleep they cannot hope to achieve educational success. It is critical that children have plenty of the things they need to meet their needs.

If you meet the physical requirements, then the psychological demands like safety can be addressed. Children who live in abusive and neglectful homes will certainly have difficulties learning. Teachers can help these students by identifying and addressing potential problems. To a child, an adult, especially a primary caregiver, is supposed to be safe, responsible, and trustworthy.

Once students have become comfortable and feel safe both mentally and physically, they will begin to work on social interactions. People naturally seek out friendship and peer approval, and this is important to a child's social development. While teachers might worry that this focus on social interaction will prove distracting in the classroom, they actually should encourage their students to engage in positive group interactions in a safe environment.




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