Describe the humanistic approach to teaching and explain how it differs from the behavioral approach. Discuss the contributions of Maslow, Rogers, and Combs as they pertain to the humanistic instructional perspective. Note the current contributions of Nel Noddings to the humanistic approach

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The humanistic approach focuses on the importance of the teacher's understanding of each student's needs, values, motives, and self- perceptions. In order for students to reach their potential, they need to feel accepted and understood by a teacher who has a genuine interest in them. Teachers who use this approach strive to create supportive and
caring classroom environments. The behavioral approach to instruction, on the other hand, does not recognize the role of attitudes, needs, values, or self-perceptions in the learning process. Rather, it focuses on
implementing the conditions that make it highly likely that a desired response will occur in the presence of a particular stimulus.
Maslow, Rogers, and Combs have all made contributions to the humanistic approach to
instruction. Maslow suggests that in order for students to reach their full potential, their physiological, safety, love, belonging, and esteem needs must first be met. He also suggests that the teacher should not dominate student development, but let it follow its natural course. Rogers suggests that learner-centered teachers should try to establish conditions that allow students to direct their own learning. Combs further added that teachers should not act as leaders, but as guides or facilitators to a process that is already in progress, cognitive development. Together these observations lead to a theory of education that views students as capable of making good choices about learning and teachers as facilitators who are positive toward their students and are sensitive to their needs.
Nel Noddings is a contemporary theorist whose arguments for and description of the caring classroom are consistent with humanistic principles. She believes that students are more motivated and learn more in classrooms that satisfy their physical needs; are clean and maintained; promote meaningful and pleasurable learning experiences; avoid the use of sarcasm, humiliation, and fear as tools to control behavior; capitalize on students' interests; promote the development of character; and teach students how to get along with others.