What significance do feelings hold in the humanist approach to education?

In the humanist approach to education, feelings are essential for learning because this approach emphasizes the importance of the individual and their experience. Humanist theorists, like Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, highlight that emotional well-being significantly impacts a learner's ability to absorb new information and engage in the learning process. When students feel valued, understood, and emotionally secure, they are more likely to participate actively and creatively in their education.

The humanist perspective posits that education should not only focus on imparting knowledge but also on nurturing a student’s emotional and social development. Acknowledging students' feelings creates a more conducive learning environment, fostering their intrinsic motivation and encouraging personal growth. This approach aims to develop the whole person, reflecting a belief that personal development is closely tied to educational success.