Introduction
This WebQuest will highlight Maslow’s self-actualization theory and how it contributes to early childhood education. Many theorists and their discoveries still hold true in today’s society in the teaching and development of young children. There are many theorists in society that people can contribute early childhood education standards; for example Piaget, Vygotsky, Maslow, and Erikson. Maslow is the theorist that I contribute to early education theorists and giving him the most recognition. Maslow's influence on early childhood education shows the importance of meeting basic needs before cognitive learning can occur; teachers develop programs to meet children's basic needs; growth of the self - esteem movement; and the emphasis on providing safety, security, love and affection for all children.
The important educational goals are for students to learn and to make this newly gained knowledge and information purposeful and meaningful to the students so that it may be retained and useful through their lives. An essential factor involved in meeting these goals is motivation. If students are unmotivated in one way or another, it is likely that little learning will take place, or if by chance some learning should takeplace, it is probable that it will not be retained.
This theory has great impact on educational structure. In order to maximize the effectiveness of school-wide and individual classroom teaching programs, administrators and teachers must consider student needs and their hierarchial order. This must be a top priority in the development of programs so that students have the capability of reaching their potential.
Task
1) Find basic background information on Piaget, Vygotsky, Erikson, and Maslow.2) Make flashcards of their basic principles of their early childhood theories.3) List ways you can or will use their methods or theories in your classroom, lesson plan, or helping parent’s help their students develop.4) Reflect on the idea/ideas that you think have had the most impact on your teaching style.Though there are many more leaders in early childhood education, here are some more if you would like to research them or research historically how the theorists theories have come about. Martin Luther, John Comeuis, JohnLocke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Johann Pestalozzi, Robert Owen, Robert Owen,Friedrich Fraebel, Maria Montessori, John Dewey, Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky,Abraham Maslow, Eric Erikson, Urie Bronfenbrenner, and Howard Gardner.