Maslow's Hierarchy Of Needs Theory Case Study

The aim of this assignment is to discuss Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory and how it relates to learning. The term 'hierarchy' means the lower needs in the pyramid must be satisfied before needs at higher levels are activated (Neher, 1991). In this assignment I will be evaluating Maslow's theory. I will identify the advantages and disadvantages of the theory. Finally, I will offer my own conclusion, stating whether the theory is successful.
Maslow presented human needs in a hierarchical order. At the lowest level of the pyramid are the physiological needs. Physiological needs are when a person needs food, drink, shelter, air, warmth and sleep (Ewen, 2003). Once the physiological needs have been met, the next level in the hierarchy are
For a student to succeed in a classroom, they must be motivated to learn. Maslow believed that in order for learning to take place it is important to follow the hierarchal order by satisfying the lower needs first (Ewen,2003). However, this was disagreed by Clayton Alderfer, an American physiologist. Clayton Alderfer had developed Maslow's theory further but instead of having five basic needs, Alderfer's theory consist of three levels which is existence, relatedness and growth. The similarity between Maslow and Alderfer's theory was that both theories were hierarchical but the only difference was that Alderfer disagreed with Maslow stating that the needs do not need to be met in a set order. Instead a child can fluctuate in the hierarchy order according to their own needs (Leadership-central.com,
However, this does not mean children with disabilities are not able to achieve the needs in the hierarchy order. Instead, Tyne (1985) has argued that children with disabilities have the same needs as others, but they require more help in satisfying their needs (Kreuger, Van Exel and Nieboer, 2008). For SEN children to stay motivated they need to feel a sense of belonging, without this the child may not be motivated to learn. However, to prevent this and make sure SEN children feel belonged and are able to ascend the hierarchy order the teachers can make adjustments to lesson plans and the building so it suits the SEN children's needs. For example, if a child is in a wheelchair then the school can have automatic doors where the child can access the school building independently. This shows that Maslow's theory can work on special educational needs children.
Maslow's theory is implemented in educational settings today, as schools ensure that children have the best learning experience. For example, in my work placement the teachers ensure the children's basic needs were being met before lesson starts. Then the teacher carries out a structured lesson. However, by carrying out structured lesson does not help children to become self actualize and it is not the best way to learn.