Essay: Humanistic approach to learning means a process that is inevitable and unique for every individual

Humanistic approach to learning means a process that is inevitable and unique for every individual. Humanistic approach considers human being as the central part of learning by humanistic approach.

Learning should be as the way in which the individual develops his unique way of controlling his environment and attaining his best potential. The humanistic approach makes use of creativity, belongingness, self-development, co-existence mental health, values etc. humanistic approach is concerned with the welfare of all human beings.

This approach believes in co-existence. This approach emphasizes on learning in natural environment of human love, peace, co-operation, freedom, and equality. It believes that learning should be need-based and experience- based.

According to humanistic approach to learning, self motivation can result better learning. In this approach every individual develops his natural own way of learning thus student takes more responsibility for determining what they are learning. Humanistic approach believes in co-existence.

It is a new approach to learning teacher should understand it and use it according to needs of the situation time to time.

Educational implications of humanistic Approach to Learning

1. Place of the child in teaching-learning:

According to this approach student plays a central role in whole teaching-learning process. This approach believes in child-centered-education. This approach, considers that we should first understand the needs, interests, abilities, age level, attitudes, aptitude of students then try to organize teaching learning process according to these.

It emphasizes on reach, touch and teaches the child according to his nature, and interests. All teaching material and its process must be related to individual characteristics of students.

2. Emphasis on individuality:

According to this approach every individual has his own individuality. Teacher should respect and develop this individuality through education.

Individual differences should be respected and internal virtues of individual be developed. Teacher should understand this individuality and organize his/her teaching-learning process according to this individuality.

3. Understanding the child:

According to this approach, we should understand the child first of all, and then teach him. We, as a teacher, should know our students, their interest, personality, capabilities and background environment and use teaching methods and content accordingly.

Because this approach believes in student centered education so before teaching, a teacher should understand students thoroughly.

4. Method of teaching:

In this approach teacher should use methods of teaching which are based on psychological principles. Teacher should not use teacher centered and traditional methods of teaching in it.

Teacher should emphasize on active learning which could consider the learner. Teacher should use the methods which could teach according to needs, interests, abilities and attitudes of learners.

Learner’s readiness, mental set and motivation are considered as basis for deciding the method of teaching to be used. So teacher should use learner centered innovative methods of teaching.

5. Discipline:

Teacher should not force student to be disciplined. He/she should encourage self discipline and self-control among students. Students should be given the responsibility of to be disciplined.

6. Place and role of the teacher:

According to this approach student plays a central role in teaching learning process. Teacher acts as a guide, friend or helper of the students.

Students should freedom to develop and make progress according to their own pace, needs and interests. Teacher should be considered as the milestone in the journey of total development of the child.

Teacher should not force his own methods and views on students but he should be only a guide in this development process.

7. It is a democratic approach:

According to this approach students should be taught in democratic environment. He/she should provide a rich environment with a view to have their around development.

In the end we can say that this is a new innovative approach to teaching which advocates child at the centre of teaching learning process.

A teacher should understand the individuality of the learner and then organize his/her teaching learning process according to needs, interests and abilities of the learner. He/ she should be as a guide only and students should be given chance to develop according to their own pace.