Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Maslow proposed that people have basic needs that need to be met at different levels, and these needs are important drivers of human motivation.

Maslow’s is not a strict hierarchy, and it is not true that some needs have to met before others. However, in order for creativity, problem-solving and other important attributes to be able to flourish, we need to think about the different factors that can affect human motivation. Take a moment to think about physiological, psychological, social and personal or self-needs.

We’ll hear what some learners have to say about this next, and we will also consider the fact that liking something is not necessarily the same as being motivated and engaged with something.

Discussion point

• What are the ways in which you as a teacher could pay attention to these needs when designing educational activities either in a classroom or in a clinical workplace?

Add your thoughts to the discussion.