Humanist Theory

We parents need to see our children learning and growing. Note that ‘growing’ here doesn’t mean getting taller. Growing in the context of learning means developing thinking skills, emotional stability, and emotional balance.

Enter humanist learning theory. It’s the first theory your children were exposed to. You nurtured their early development through the walking/talking phases, toilet training, and preparing them for school.

It was a holistic approach that focused on mind, body and spirit. You made your child the centre of experience, rewarding and praising every achievement. Your structure was safe and supportive. Your child was the star of the show.

Humanist theory centres on emotions. Happy, engaged brains learn even when they’re challenged. Attach a happy emotion to your learning, and it’s more likely you’ll repeat it, adapt it, and use it more often.

As your child reaches middle school and beyond, giving them responsibility for their learning is a great way to enhance growth. You can assist by securing that environment and keeping it a safe place. Encourage risk-taking and challenge thinking. By the way, it’s not too late to apply the theory to your learning.

Set yourself goals. Smash them! Set more. Get in touch with your emotions and which ones drive learning. Happiness and contentment work; anger and sadness won’t.