For my theorist this week, I chose to research and talk about Abraham Maslow. As most people know, he is most famous for his hierarchy of needs. It is a motivational theory in psychology and has five tiers that are usually seen in a form of a pyramid. I think relating this to classroom management can benefit all students in a classroom.
The first stage is physiological needs which include food, water, rest, and warmth. Relating to classroom management, it’s important to student’s success that students properly eat and rest so they can achieve the best in the classroom. If anyone else is like me, I get a little cranky when I am hungry and could easily cause unwanted behaviors in the classroom. If a teacher knows that a student is not getting proper food and rest, the teacher might be able to work something out with a school councilor or other staff member to help this student.
The second stage is safety needs. A student needs to know they are safe and secure in a classroom. A student will be able to relax and stay a lot more calm in a class if they know they are safe and secure. A teacher can start working on a safe classroom environment on the first day of school so student’s can feel the sense of safety early on.
The third stage is belongingness and love needs. This is where friendships come into play. Promoting resources for students to be able to grow and create friendships in the classroom can make it easier for their social growth and will make their time in the classroom a lot more enjoyable.
In the fourth stage, Maslow talks about esteem needs. A feeling of accomplishment is something every student needs to feel. Whether they accomplish a goal they had been given, or just feeling accomplishmened in every day life, a student that knows they are accomplishing what they need, will be great learners in a classroom.
Lastly, self-actualization is the final part of the pyramid. Students need to achieve one’s full potential and its the teacher’s responsibility to challenge students and push students to their best. With each student at a different level, it makes it harder for a teacher to push each student. A close relationship with students along with assessments can make it easier for the teacher to see how much a teacher can challenge the student. In psychology, a proximity effect is talked about a lot for students. Finding that middle level of not too easy or not too hard of an assignment will keeps students working hard and not being bored.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
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