Development and Diversity

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Module 2 Assignment: Development and Diversity

The purpose of this assignment is to explain the main components of the humanist theory. Two American psychologists, Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers paved the way for this new approach to understanding personality and improving the overall satisfaction of individuals. Next, I will show how the humanist theory is used in the classroom and what problems are possible. Finally, a 3rd grade learning activity that uses some aspect of the humanist theory will be outlined.

Humanist Theory

Humanistic theory deals with the whole person, by focusing on human experience, problems, potentials and ideals. Human nature is viewed as inherently good. It deals with self-actualization as to fully developing personal potentials. It is believed that if children feel good about oneself that is a good start (Coon, Mitterer, 2007).

Major Contributors

Abraham Maslow (1908-1970)

Abraham Maslow was interested in people who were living unusually but effective lives, so he began to study the lives of great people. He believed that people were self-actualizers and had needs that must be met. Maslow introduced the Hierarchy of Needs model in 1940 in the United States which remains valid today. The original five stage model consist of biological and physiological needs, safety and security needs, love and belonging needs, esteem and self-esteem and self-actualization. Based on the work of Maslow, other needs were later added; cognitive needs, aesthetic needs, and transcendence needs. Maslow Hierarchy of Needs states that our needs should be met in turn, starting with the first need, which deals with survival. He believes that until the first needs are met, an individual cannot move on to personal development. M...

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...not boring. The students will realize that they can control their own learning without the teacher.

Conclusion

Humanistic thought has encouraged many people to seek greater self-awareness and personal growth, and the concepts are very useful in counseling and psychotherapy. In order for development of self-image, one must first evaluate the information from the environment, which began with the perceptions and feelings of body, toes, nose, I want, I like, I am, and so on. When children are evaluated by others, it will cause the child to develop internal standards of evaluation. For example, children learn that some actions win their parent’s love and approval. Children have the same aspect about the feeling of their teachers. Teachers are to practice effective skills of learning so that the students will feel comfortable in accomplishing goals of achievement.

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