Humanistic Theories that Guide Online Course Design

Abstract

Humanism comes from one of three schools of psychology in which theories are categorized. The other two schools are the schools of behaviorism and cognitivism. It is believed that one school of theory is not better than the other, and individuals are encouraged to apply the theory that is the most appropriate for the student. Theories from the school of humanism focus on students’ affective needs which means that the theorists center their attention on feelings, emotions, values, and attitudes (Tomei, 2007). Colonel Parker, once deemed the Father of Progressivism of the nineteenth century by John Dewey, promoted creating curriculum with the child at its center. He wanted the school to be a replica of home, an inclusive community, and a budding democracy for the students. Parker’s work and thought on curriculum would eventually be an apparent part of John Dewey’s progressive work (Pinar, Reynolds, Slattery, & Taubman, 1996).