What Is The Role Of The Humanistic Learning Theory In Promoting Engagement?
Learner engagement is something that instructors always strive for. When it comes to learning courses, it’s not only about showing up but, rather, having the desire and motivation to try your best. As a result, instructors are always in search of new strategies and methods to help learners connect with the material. In this article, we will explore a learner-centered approach that aims to increase engagement by putting the learner in the front seat. This approach is the humanistic learning theory, which views learning as a natural human desire within the scheme of self-actualization. After a brief overview, we will discuss 7 ways in which the humanistic learning theory boosts learner engagement and how you can integrate it into your eLearning course.
What Is The Humanistic Theory Of Learning?
The humanistic theory of learning emerged in the mid-20th century from psychologists—most notably, Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers—who were not in agreement with existing theories, such as Freud’s psychoanalytic theory and Skinner’s behaviorism. This theory views the learner holistically, taking into account their previous experiences and emphasizing their innate desire to learn as a means to improve themselves. It is also based on the belief that learners are inherently good and their progress and development are dependent on their feelings and not the rewards or punishments they receive. Some of the basic principles of the humanistic learning theory include self-esteem, experiential learning, self-evaluation, and autonomy.
Ever since its conception, the humanistic theory of learning has found applications in various educational methods, the Montessori one being a popular example. Its principles are also used in personalized learning and project-based learning, among others, where learners are encouraged to use their creativity and critical thinking and lead the learning process.
7 Strategies To Boost Learner Engagement With The Humanistic Learning Theory
Having explored the basics of this learning theory, let’s delve deeper into the specific ways in which it can help instructors create more meaningful and engaging learning experiences.
1. Encourages Self-Directed Learning
Freedom and autonomy are fundamental principles of the humanistic learning theory, so you must prioritize them when developing a learning course. Keep learners engaged by implementing a self-directed approach that allows them to take charge of what, how, and why they learn. For example, if a learner has the ability to choose the subject they want to explore and the time they want to invest in it, their engagement levels are bound to be higher. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and accountability which enhances motivation and leads to better results.
2. Focuses On Intrinsic Motivation
As we mentioned earlier, in the humanistic theory of learning, knowledge acquisition is a bridge to self-betterment and actualization. As a result, this theory suggests moving away from extrinsic motivators such as praise, grades, rewards, or punishments and focusing on intrinsic motivation. This involves helping learners understand that completing a course is not about gaining a certification but taking their personal growth and development one step further. Focusing on the significance and value that knowledge brings to a learner’s life is often the best way to increase their overall engagement.
3. Enhances Personalized Learning
Another way in which the humanistic learning theory boosts learner engagement is by recognizing the unique needs of each individual. Not all learners have the same knowledge gaps and strengths, nor do they all prefer the same learning methods and formats. When instructors acknowledge that and provide learners with resources that cater to different learning preferences, they can expect enhanced performance as well as motivation. Additionally, instructors must consider each individual’s development plans to provide them with a variety of courses that meet those needs and support learners in achieving their learning objectives as efficiently as possible.
4. Develops Critical Thinking And Creativity
One thing you should adopt from the humanistic learning theory to enhance learner engagement is promoting creative and critical thinking. Encourage learners to ask questions, review the information you present them with, explore subjects on their own, and think outside the box when it comes to solving complex or unprecedented problems. Accepting knowledge passively and simply memorizing it to pass a module doesn’t contribute to effective knowledge acquisition or engagement. Instead, you must encourage participants to engage with the content and actively construct knowledge through individual involvement and exploration.
5. Highlights Real-World Applications
Another element that increases engagement in the learning process is seeing that the material has practical applications apart from a strictly theoretical background. Whether we are talking about children, students, or employees, understanding that their academic or professional daily lives are becoming easier due to a learning course will certainly motivate them to complete it and even start others. The humanistic learning approach highlights the value of the learning content through activities such as project-based and experiential learning, as well as group discussions that connect theory to real-world situations.
6. Strengthens Emotional Connection To Learning
As we mentioned earlier, emotion plays a crucial role in motivating learners and enhancing knowledge acquisition. This translates to two things. First, it means that learners need to be in a positive emotional state and have their basic needs met to learn effectively. The other side, and the one that instructors should be more interested in, is helping learners emotionally connect with the material using methods such as storytelling, collaborative learning, reflection, and humor. Tying learning experiences with emotions is the best way to support learners in comprehending topics, committing them to memory, and engaging in learning.
7. Creates A Safe Learning Environment
Finally, the humanistic learning theory improves learner engagement by fostering a supportive and safe learning environment. Specifically, it puts the learners’ needs first and allows them to shape their learning journey, all while respecting their emotions and refraining from judgment or punishment. As a result, learners feel valued and appreciated, and they are motivated to participate to advance their personal growth and not to gain a reward or the approval of others. A learning environment that follows the principles of humanism makes learners feel safe to explore, make mistakes, take risks, and, ultimately, connect to the course in a meaningful and impactful way.
Conclusion
If you believe that learner engagement is lacking in your eLearning course, then you must adjust your approach. Capture participants’ attention by switching to a learner-centered approach, specifically implementing the basic principles of the humanistic learning theory. This involves giving learners autonomy, tapping into their intrinsic motivation, encouraging them to use their critical thinking and creativity skills, and, most importantly, fostering a supportive and judgment-free environment. Follow the tips we shared in this article to enhance learner engagement and help your audience achieve better outcomes.
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