Framing student needs in terms of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is more helpful than I had ever considered. I mainly teach in the evenings, I've noticed that:
>If the basic needs aren't met (namely food and sleep) than the student suffers.
>If they don't feel safe and secure, they can't focus. I teach downtown in a busy city, so we have to make sure security is tight and watch out for each other. I've been asked more than once to walk one or a group of women students to their cars.
>If they don't connect with their classmates and myself socially, they check out or hide in the back. I use jokes. They are not good jokes. This is my charm.
>When we share projects with the whole class, they get validated by hearing compliments and good-faith critiques from classmates. Doing a round of revisions and having a piece of work come together is how you get "eureka" moments. That's the best part of this job.
>If we've dont our jobs and worked towards meeting those needs, the "Self-Actualization" phase begins, and students are driven by sincere interest and passion.
