Suggestions for Application of Maslow's Theory toEducation
Physiological
- reduced & free lunch programs
- correct room temperatures
- bathroom breaks
- 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 & nonjudgemental, pleasant,nonthreatening
- provide praise for correct responses instead of punishment for incorrectresponses
Love & Belonging
With regard to teacher-student relationships
- teacher personality: empathetic, considerate & interested in theindividural, patient, fair, able to self-disclose, positive attitude, goodlistener
- 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 helpensure 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 moded 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 feelcomfortable 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 groupmembers
- involve students in activities of importance & worthiness (ex. cleaningup 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 andcontrast 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. Odysseyof 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, desksclean & 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
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