Theorist: Abraham Maslow
Maslow's Hierarchy
Of Needs
Many theories contribute to my philosophy on classroom management and education. However, I feel Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is one of the most important theories I, as a child advocate, must understand. I have used this theory many times in order to better understand my students behavior, analyze their needs that are not being met, and in order to attempt to meet them by advocating on behalf of my students. The key premise behind Maslow's Hierarchy is that the needs of each level of the hierarchy must be met before a student can advance upward. The levels start with the most critical needs and end with self-actualization (Booker, 2016).
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs should be used as a fundamental foundation by all teachers that strive to understand and use to help better support the needs of their students. Teachers should be very aware that before any learning can occur students must have all their basic needs met on this hierarchy. Furthermore, if students needs aren’t met teachers should use this hierarchy as a means to identify the needs that have not been met, and attempt to meet them or teach the student how to best meet their needs.
The first level of needs is the most critical, and is the physiological needs which include food, water, and sleep (Booker, 2016). If a student is starving, extremely dehydrated, or sleep deprived they will remain at this level of the hierarchy until there basic human needs are met. The second level is safety, which includes both physical and emotional safety. For students, this most often means they are protected from harm, are not living in fear, and they have shelter, or a home, to return to outside of school.
The third level of the hierarchy is love and belonging which at its most basic definition means the student is subject to caring relationships (Booker, 2016).Often it can be translated further to being accepted in a community, friend group, or family, as well as receiving support, guidance, and love from adults, spending time around positive role models, and receiving love, acceptance, and inclusion from the peers and guardians in the student’s life. The Fourth level is mastery and esteem, and this refers to confidence, encouragement, and affirmation. A positive classroom environment and school community can create a place for students to build confidence and receive affirmation and encouragement. Last on the hierarchy is self-actualization and this refers to one being their best self.
