Humanistic

Humanistic Learning revolves around the learner being the source of authority. This means the student
determines the learning method and materials. Carl Rogers proposed the Experiential Learning Theory.
Bugental proposed the theory of Existential-Humanistic Psychology, including the “postulates of humanistic
psychology, [which are ]:
 Human beings cannot be reduced to components.
 Human beings have in them a uniquely human context.
 Human consciousness includes an awareness of oneself in the context of other people.
 Human beings have choices and responsibilities.
 Human beings are intentional, they seek meaning, value, and creativity.”[1]
Most people will be familiar with Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. His research paper, “A Theory of
Human Motivation” emphasized that we work toward the attainment of a goal, whether it be getting food
because we are hungry, desiring relationships for esteem or growth through self-actualization.

The Key Concepts

Humanistic Learning Theory, often called Humanism, focuses on the specific human capabilities including
creativity, personal growth, and choice. Humanists believe people are good and noble. Maslow’s research into
hierarchical needs is a major concept in this learning theory, especially Self-Actualization, as it is only at this
level the student can truly experience growth.

Humanistic Learning Theory can be summarized this way[2]:

1. Learners can be trusted to find their own goals and should have some options or choices in what they
learn at school.
2. Students should set their standards and should evaluate their work.
3. The school experience should help students to develop positive relations with their peers
As we will see later in this article, the Humanistic approach is learner-centric, with the emphasis on the
individual’s potential rather than the specific learning materials, sowing for a meaning and useful learning
experience the student can apply across many situations.

But how does Humanistic Learning Theory affect students, teachers and the learning process? 1. Idiographic
Research

According to humanistic psychology, learners need to be considered as a ‘whole’. After all, all individuals are
unique, and we grow and develop over the years.

Similarly, humanistic psychology emphasises that research should focus on the idiographic case rather than a
nomothetic case. In other words, people should be studied as individuals instead of inferences being formed
from the performance of groups.

2. Free Will

According to humanistic approaches all humans have free will. This means we are free to do and think about
whatever we want. Our behaviour isn’t all determined.

Learners are encouraged to take control of their education. As such, they use their free will to make decisions
on what activities they complete, with what methods and when. This learner choice is central to humanistic
learning theory and humanistic psychology.

3. Positive Emotions
Humanistic psychology proposes that knowledge and feelings go hand-in-hand in the learning process. Our
emotions impact what, when and how we learn and should not be separated.

Therefore, learning activities need to focus on both the learner’s intellect and feelings, not one or the other.

In addition, humanistic psychology proposes that learners need to feel positive, relaxed and comfortable to
achieve the best results. A positive emotional state will make them ready to learn.

4. Intrinsic Motivation

Individuals have an internal desire to become their best selves. As a result, our desire to learn is guided
by intrinsic motivation rather than extrinsic motivation.

Intrinsic motivation means that learners have a genuine passion for whatever they are doing. As such, learners
are motivated from within and are driven by their desire to achieve a genuine sense of fulfilment.

Humanistic educators focus on fostering engagement in order for learners to become self-motivated to further
their development. After all, the effectiveness of humanistic learning is based on learners feeling engaged and
intrinsically motivated to complete training.

5. Innate Goodness

Humanistic psychology argues that no individual is born with evil intentions. We all want the best for ourselves
and for those close to us. In fact, according to the theory, we only do bad things if our fundamental needs are
not fulfilled.

As a result, humanistic educators tend to see the good in their learners. Instead of providing negative feedback,
they focus on determining what needs aren’t being met for learners not to be able to reach their full potential.

6. Self-Evaluation
According to humanistic learning theory, self-evaluation is the most meaningful way to evaluate how learners
are progressing.

Self-evaluation ensures learners complete training material for their own satisfaction and excitement, compared
to working towards achieving high grades or test results.

The theory suggests that routine testing and information memorisation won’t lead to meaningful learning.

HUMANISM: YOUR GUIDE TO HUMANISTIC LEARNING THEORY, June 15, 2022.L&D, Learning Theory
https://www.growthengineering.co.uk/humanism-your-guide-to-humanistic-learning-theory/

The Role of the Learner

Ideally, learning should be an active process, where the student is engaged with the learning activities to
acquire the knowledge specific to their situation. Since a major theme is the learner being the source of
authority, the learner determines what learning materials are used, and how they will learn the material. They
could choose to read, listen to speeches, watch movies or practice what they have learned through social
interactions or by producing a specific output.

The learner also establishes the quantity of learning, as in how much do I need to learn about a specific subject.
But making the correct or incorrect choice in their learning decisions rests with the student and not the teacher.
This reinforces the student as the source of authority.

The Role of the Teacher

Just because the learner is the source of authority and makes the decision about what and how they will learn
something, doesn’t negate the need for the teacher.

The teacher assumes the role of a coach or facilitator to assist the student in establishing and using their
learning strategy to achieve their goal. Doing this means the teacher must be aware of the student’s unique
needs, to be effective at supporting the student in acquiring the desired knowledge.

By understanding the student’s unique needs, the teacher can assist in designing the strategy to support the
individual student’s intellectual and emotional development. Creating a non-threatening and supportive
environment is important to this development.

While the student identifies the learning methods and materials, the teacher needs to ensure the learning
activities are related to actual life experience, so the student can apply the learning to their daily living, which is
a key concept in Roger’s Experiential Learning Theory.
How Does Learning Take Place

Bugental proposed learning occurs through meaningful living and studied the explicit and visible behaviors
resulting from the subjective internal processes occurring in the learner. A key point is emphasizing the
differences between individual learners.

Rogers viewed every individual experience is a logical event and different for every individual. From this
individual viewpoint, the learner is encouraged to form their perspective and meaning through their
experiences and beliefs. This makes each experience unique to the learner. Rogers also emphasized the
importance of acquiring experience and knowledge from the environment, allowing the learner to form both
positive and negative self-concepts about specific situations.

(For a view of Roger’s Experiential Learning Theory, see my Medium article.)

Principles Of Rogers’s Approach In Education.

Rogers established several cornerstone principles to his approach. These are learning is focused on the learner,
and the learner has the freedom to choose. Additionally, learning should be considered as a curiosity to know
something, and the learner should be encouraged to follow their curiosity.

The effectiveness of the learning process is based upon the learner taking the initiative to be fully engaged,
follow their curiosity and find learning strategies and materials o support the learning objective.