Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Cecilia Billheimer, Group 2, EDF 619

The Basics Who? When? What? Why? Abraham Maslow. First drafted in 1943. Revised in 1954. What? A list of what needs students need met. Often arranged as a pyramid. Lower levels need filled before higher levels. Why? To understand student motivation.

The Hierarchy (McLeod, 2007)

Basic Needs Tier 1 - Physiological Needs Tier 2 - Safety Needs Food Rest Water Shelter (From Wind/Rain/Etc) Tier 2 - Safety Needs Safety Shelter (From Danger) Sense of Protection/Fairness (From Law Enforcement, etc.)

Psychological Needs Tier 3 - Belonging Tier 4 - Self-Esteem Friendship Being a Part of a Group Family Tier 4 - Self-Esteem A Feeling of Accomplishment Recognition Status Respect

Growth Needs Tier 5 - Self-Actualization Finding One’s Self Creative Pursuits Acceptance of Reality Sense of Morality Balance Tier 6 (Optional) - Transcendence Helping Others Achieve Self-Actualization

Deficiency Needs Versus Growth Needs Maslow’s Hierarchy can be divided into two groups: Deficiency and Growth Defiencency Characterized by a “lack of” something. If these needs are not being met, it is more apparent. May not notice when they are fulfilled. Lowest rungs of the hierarchy. Growth Characterized by gaining something. When these needs are met, there is a net gain. Higher rungs of the hierarchy. Often the needs that we teach in our classroom.

Criticisms of Maslow’s Hierarchy It’s too simple. Some people may ignore their needs to help others in danger (Davey, 2014). Other people may be motivated to get out of a bad situation. For example, somebody working towards college as a way out of a dangerous household. The wording is vague. What constitutes a deficiency is very broad (Davey, 2014). There is some overlap/inconsistency in what constitutes self-actualization versus self-confidence.

Maslow’s Hierarchy in Action (1) “Sarah is an underperforming student. Recently, her advisor has noticed that she receives much fewer complaints about her in afternoon classes than her morning classes. When her advisor asks Sarah about this, she admits that she often has trouble focusing in her morning classes because of how hungry she is.” What’s happening here? Sarah’s Physiological Needs are not being met. She is hungry in her morning classes, and that is affecting her performance. Although she is still underperforming in her afternoon classes, because her physiological needs are met, she is able to perform better.

Maslow’s Hierarchy in Action (2) “Shiori has always been a highly performing student. However, her math teacher has noticed that recently there has been a noticeable drop in her performance. During the parent-teacher conference, Shiori’s father admits that she’s had trouble concentrating every since they were robbed.” What’s happening here? Shiori’s Safety Needs are not being met. After the break-in, Shiori feels unsafe in her own home, and that shows in her schoolwork. This represents a step backwards in the hierarchy: Before the break-in, Shiori felt safe in her home. After the break-in, the feeling of safety was shattered, and she moved backwards in the hierarchy.

Maslow’s Hierarchy in Action (3) “Carlos was picked by his band teacher to play a solo in an upcoming performance. Two weeks into practice, he has a bad fight with his girlfriend, and they break up. Carlos’ ex-girlfriend spreads rumors about him among their friends. Once punctual and motivated, Carlos is now frequently coming into class late and not practicing at home. Eventually, he asks to give up the solo.” What’s happening here? Carlos’ Belonging Needs are not being met. The break in his relationship and social circle are causing him to feel alone, and this is affecting his motivation. A step backward in the hierarchy.

Maslow’s Hierarchy in Action (4) “Amber often struggles during English. Despite having a good home life and a solid group of friends, she’s very shy and withdrawn. After a particularly good speech, however, her English teacher notices a change in her behavior. The previously reserved Amber is now outperforming on assignments, and is planning to audition for the school play.” What’s happening here? Amber’s Self-Confidence Needs were met. By having all of the lower levels of the hierarchy met, she is now more secure and able to try for self-growth. Her auditioning for the school play is a step towards Growth and Self-Actualization.

In Summary Despite the criticisms of Maslow’s Hierarchy, it is very useful for us as educators. It allows us to better understand student motivation. Our reach in the classroom can be limited, but we can still help students with their deficiency needs. Calling CPS when appropriate. Helping students to form bonds and relationships. Giving students challenging assignments and support to help their self-esteem. Our goal is to help create self-actualized students. Maslow’s Hierarchy provides a roadmap for us to help get there.

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