EP

Strengths, Limitations and Educational Implications of Humanistic Approach
IDevice Icon Objectives

After going through this session, you will be able to…

  • List the strengths of the humanistic approach
  • List the limitations of the humanistic approach
  • Write the educational implications of humanistic approach

Introduction

It is a tradition in teacher education that prospective teachers are expected to study theories without practicing them. Their learning about these theories is examined by asking them to reproduce information that has been created by people who are considered to be experts and who must have collected experimental evidence through day-to-day teaching practices. Many times, theories are criticized just because of rivalry or lack of openness to perceive things in a flexible manner. Unlike physics or chemistry, psychology is not a highly structured science. There are many variables that play a role in the behaviour of a person and personality is something that keeps on changing or developing constantly. Anyone who is interested in incorporating any theory in teaching practice, should try to focus on its strengths instead of looking at its weaknesses. Without understanding or gaining an insight about it is unscientific. Keeping in mind these things, we need to take into account the following information if we as teachers aim at liberating learners to make their own choices about their own development.

Humanistic psychology is concerned with the uniqueness, the individuality, the humanity of each individual. It considers him as a purposeful being, capable of adapting to his environment and choosing a course of action in order to achieve the goals that he selected for himself. The major focus of humanistic education is the development of the whole child i.e., the development of a student’s emotions, values, self-concept, goals, and needs (Huitt, 1997).

Strengths of Humanistic Approach

  • Humanism focuses on both the positive nature of humankind and the free will associated with change. Maslow and others see the individual as very powerful.
  • Many aspects of the humanist theory fit well with other approaches with respect to learning. Eg. Theories of specific learning styles, multiple intelligences, individuals’ ability to construct meaning, knowledge and skills, learner needs to be person who has her or his own interests, stresses and fears.
  • The benefits of humanism can be carried over in many different professions. If you take a health class, you are likely to discuss Maslow's hierarchy. Process of education should assist learners to be aware of developmental goals founded on values.


Strengths of Humanism in Education

  • Recognition of each human being’s uniqueness
  • Support for individualised instruction
  • Importance of positive self-concept and self-esteem
  • Widespread use of small-group and cooperative strategies
  • Increased emphasis on teacher as facilitator and helper
  • Attempts to make schools pleasant and caring places
  • Provision of school-based guidance and counseling

 

Limitations of Humanistic Approach

  • Humanistic thought lacks concrete treatment approaches aimed at specific issues. With the basic concept behind the theory being free will, it is difficult (but possible) to both develop a treatment technique and study the effectiveness of this technique.
  • Humanistic theory falls short in its ability to help those with more severe personality or mental health pathology.
  • Humanistic theory makes some generalizations about human nature that are not widely accepted as complete. Are people basically good or are their some individuals who are not? Can we adequately argue that everyone follows the same levels as Maslow explained, ‘Why do some people seem to make negative choices even when positive solutions are staring them in the face?’ These questions plague humanistic thought.
  • Conclusions drawn from subjective experiences are almost impossible to verify and hence cannot be generalized. As the conclusions are not objective, making research in humanistic psychology is unreliable. (It should be remembered that for the purpose of generalization we negate the individual differences.)
Limitations of Humanism in Education
  • Research has reported little effectiveness of the humanistic approach.
  • Possible risk of poor progress in basic skills if a teacher fails to have their own reason for acquiring skills.
Exercise

Choose whether following statements are true or false from humanist perspective.



1. Humanist teachers avoid creating co-operative learning environments in any learning setup.

True False


2. There is no research evidence to prove effectiveness of humanist learning strategies like role playing.

True False

Educational Implications of Humanistic Approach

It is a well-accepted fact that in any learning setup, much depends on the learner to choose his/her values and accept responsibility for one’s development. Humanistic approach recommends such educational reforms like open schools, ungraded classes, free schools, etc. to minimize stress created due to unnecessary competition.
IDevice Icon Discussion Forum

Some learners respond best to the carrot and stick method.. They not only expect parents or teachers to push them to work but also expect to be rewarded for their efforts. This happens because of an unscientific attitude towards one’s abilities and capabilities. Society and the so called academic institutions often fail to recognize these abilities. What is your experience in this regard? (In India, there is a lack of dignity of labour. For instance,a sweeper is referred to as a “low caste” person and his work does not get any respect.. Even highly educted and qualified people have their biases and look down upon their class mates or colleagues if they belong to a lower caste.)

Visit the Discussion Forum created for discussion on the above topic. Post your reply in the forum.

After writing your post and reading others posts, continue with the next module.

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