Suggestions
for Application of Maslow's Theory to Education
Physiological
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reduced & free lunch programs
-
correct room temperatures
-
bathroom breaks
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drink breaks
Safety
-
well planned lessons, carried out in an
orderly fashion
-
controlled classroom behaviors
-
emergency procedures well planned, discussed
& practiced
-
fair discipline
-
consistent expectations
-
attitude of teacher: accepting & non-judgmental,
pleasant, non-threatening
-
provide praise for correct responses instead
of punishment for incorrect responses
Love & Belonging
With regard to teacher-student relationships
-
teacher personality: empathetic, considerate
& interested in the individual, patient, fair, able to self-disclose,
positive attitude, good listener
-
use one-on-one instruction
-
use teacher conferencing
-
provide positive comments & feedback
rather than negative
-
get to know students (likes, dislikes,
concerns)
-
be available for students in need
-
listen to students
-
be supportive
-
have personal helpers on rotating basis
-
show that you value students thoughts,
opinions & judgments
-
show trust of students by providing situation
where it is necessary (ex. running errands, classroom leader)
With regard to student-student relationships
-
class meetings
-
class discussions
-
peer tutoring
-
provide situations requiring mutual trust
-
show & tell, sharing
Esteem
Self-esteem
-
develop new knowledge based on background
knowledge so as to help ensure success (scaffolding)
-
pace instruction to fit individual need
-
focus on strengths & assets
-
take individual needs & abilities
into account when planning lessons and carrying them out
-
teach to the multiple modes of learning
-
teach & model learning strategies
-
base new teaching, strategies & plans
on learning outcomes
-
be alert to student difficulties &
intervene as soon as possible
-
be available & approachable so students
having difficulties feel comfortable coming for help
-
involve all students in class participation
& responsibilities
-
when necessary to discipline a child,
do as privately as possible
Respect from others
-
develop a classroom environment where
students are positive & nonjudgmental
-
star of the week
-
award programs for jobs well done
-
providing deserved positions of status
-
recognition programs for special effort
(ex. helpful citizens of the week)
-
develop & carry out a curriculum to
encourage children to be empathetic & good listeners
-
employ cooperative learning in such a
way as to develop trust between group members
-
involve students in activities of importance
& worthiness (ex. cleaning up the environment, carrying out a food
drive for the needy)
Knowledge & Understanding
-
allow students time to explore areas of
curiosity
-
provide lessons that are intellectually
challenging
-
plan lessons that connect areas of learning
& have students compare and contrast to search for relationships
-
use a discovery approach to learning whenever
possible
-
have students approach topics of learning
from various angles
-
provide opportunities for philosophical
thought & discussion
-
get students involved in intellectually
challenging programs (ex. Odyssey of the Mind)
Aesthetic
-
organize classroom materials in a neat
& appealing way
-
display student art work in an appealing
manner
-
put up interesting & colorful wall
hangings
-
replace overly worn classroom materials
periodically
-
create varied appealing & interesting
learning centers
-
rooms painted in pleasing colors
-
large window areas
-
well maintained physical surroundings
(ex. keeping walls painted, desks clean & repaired etc.)
-
clean rooms
-
fresh smelling rooms
Self-actualization
-
expect students to do their best
-
give students freedom to explore &
discover on their own
-
make learning meaningful--connect to "real"
life
-
plan lessons involving metacognitive activities
-
get students involved in self-expressive
projects
-
allow students to be involved in creative
activities & projects