Humanist theory

Humanism A reaction against behaviourism

Increasing understanding of the self and others, leading to an acceptance of an ever changing self

Carl Rogers Rogers (1959): Humans have one basic motive, that is the tendency to self-actualise, ie fulfil one’s potential. Likened human beings to a flower that will grow to its full potential if the conditions are right, but which is constrained by its environment. People will flourish if their environment is good enough. Unlike flowers, however, we are meant to develop in different ways according to our personality.

Rogers Freedom to Learn (1969) set out his thoughts about how his ideas could be realised in an educational context. He advocated: A student-centred approach That the tutor should be a resource for the students That the relationship between tutor and student should be all important Establishing an environment which is most conducive to learning

Rogers’ guidelines (contd) Learning climate should be characterised by openness and trust Tutor should accept the learners expressing their feelings and thoughtsl Tutor should recognise and accept own limitations Tutor should be alert to learners’ emotions and interpersonal tensions

Pioneers of Humanism Abraham Maslow (1954) Hierarchy of Human Needs

Pioneers of Humanism

Pioneers of Humanism

Pioneers of Humanism Yay!

Humanist School of Learning Proposes that we are all unique individuals Self is in constant process of forming & reforming A product of our own experience of a particular set of circumstances Emphasis is on the development and needs of the self Autonomous learning Intrinsic Motivation Free will Its all about me!!

Humanist approach assumes Choice over learning environment Choice over when to learn Teachers acting as facilitators Choice over timing of assessment Student involvement in organisation of learning establishment

Examples in practice A S Neill’s Summerhill school Learn what you want when you want Lower academic achievement but are there other measures?

Malcolm Knowles (you know all about him!) Introduced the concepts of pedagogy and andragogy

Knowles’ six assumptions People: The need to know Self concept Experience Readiness to learn Orientation to learning Motivation

Evaluation Pros: Although few colleges have fully integrated the approach, many utilise at least some aspects in day to day teaching. Recognises individual variation

Evaluation Cons: Difficult to adopt fully (funding, timetables) Vague and open to interpretation Potential problems for society Experience suggests: Some schools have adopted this model. ‘Free schools’ fail to match exam results of traditional schools

Principles of humanism Significant learning takes place when the subject matter is relevant to the personal interests of the student Learning which is threatening to the self (eg new attitudes or perspectives) are more easily assimilated when external threats are at a minimum Learning proceeds faster when the threat to the self is low Self-initiated learning is the most lasting and pervasive.