Abraham Maslow, in his Theory of Self-Actualization explains that there are several "needs" that must be met before true self-actualization can occur: physiological needs: such as food, oxygen, water etc., safety needs: a home, supportive adults, social needs: love, compassion, acceptance, esteem needs: self-confidence and self-esteem. Maslow believed, when these needs are met it opens up the mind to the autonomous thought, creativity and self expression. If these needs are not met then frustration and restlessness ensues. As teachers we can not guarantee all of the needs are met for every one of our students but we can make sure that they feel a part of the community, have a valued voice, and feel cherished and loved in our classrooms.
Self-actualization begins to emerge when a student begins to reason, perceive and understand human nature. These are skills that can not develop if students are not given the opportunity to pursue their interests, collaborate with their peers, and read and discuss world events, seeing the outcome and how it effects those impacted. To see the world through someone else's eyes. To read articles about different cultures, watch videos about catastrophic events and social changing situations. If students are not presented with the truth, and given the opportunity to analyze different points of view, how are they ever going to find their place in society? When will they hear their calling, lay down the foundation of who they want to become? By using Skype with classrooms across the globe, sharing their personal stories with others, and recognizing the strength of diversity, students will NOT be limited to a localized view. We need to broaden their minds by showing them the good and the bad and letting them determine their own point of view, even if it not aligned with our own.
Self-actualization comes from freedom of thought, not hindered by failure or slowed by doubt. Being curious and spontaneous and ready for the pitfalls and challenges. Post actualization students become self starters, responsible for themselves, and own their behavior. Work becomes play rather then a list of chores. They see possibility rather then barrier. They have a growth mindset and are eager to investigate and discover new things because they know it will lead to new ideas and adventures. Does this sound like your students? The only way to make sure that students pull themselves out of the quagmire of the learning doldrums is to not place them in the quick sand in the first place. To avoid the mundane, boring, lessons that face our students in many of their classes. Get them out of their seats and owning their acquirement's. Empowerment comes from leaving them alone. Steering them away from the bottomless quarry or boredom.
The ultimate destination for any student is self-teaching, personal growth, self-actualization and this can only happen when we step aside, let students choose their own strategies for success, their own demonstration of knowledge, their own sense of humor and uniqueness. When students recognize themselves in the learning mirror, they no longer see the phenotype of the outer self but the genotype of their inner self. They hear their instinct, feel their confidence and speak their minds. This is key to building a growth mindset and constructing their sense of self. Once this is sculpted, the world seems less chaotic. Creation seems within reach and growth the heartbeat of experience, with every thump thump new acquisition. This is the embodiment of actualization: the moment you are not separate from but integrated with humanity.
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