Humanistic theory of learning is based upon the tenet of humanism which emerged during 1960s. The major proponents of this ideology were Abraham Maslow(1908-1970)---who is taught to be the father of humanist psychology, Carl roger (1902-1987) and Malcolm Knowles. Humanism is a school of thought which believes that all human beings are intrinsically good and they have the good intention to fully develop according to their maximum potentialities. It studies a person as a whole instead of studying its individual characteristics. It takes into account the subjective experiences of individuals instead of focusing its attention on their objectivity ; Our interest in learning is intrinsic and the purpose of learning is self-actualization. Humanism came into being as a result of rebellion against behaviorism which thinks that all our behaviors are the outcomes of outside stimuli and the consequences of our present actions are the main determinants of its recurrence in future. Humanists believe in the freedom, self-esteem, self-actualization and personal capabilities of individuals. According to this theory, learning is a personal responsibility of a child and it should be personalized according to the potentiality, needs and learning styles of a child; Every child should be set free to learn according to his/her own capabilities and at his/her own pace. More specifically, this theory states that the learning of a child should be self-directed and goal oriented. And, the child should be given an opportunity of what to learn and how to learn.
The role of a teacher, according to this theory, is that of a facilitator who is responsible for providing learning friendly environment to the students; Wherein the students are not bound to complete a certain educational activity according the directions of their teacher within a given period of time but they should be free to complete it according to their own discretion.
Leaning, according to this theory, is not bound to pre-determined curriculum, time and space. Open education, lifelong learning, adult learning, e learning and cooperative learning are some of the learning approaches which resonate with the humanistic theory of learning.
