What education philosophy is similar to the humanistic perspective in psychology?

What education philosophy is similar to the humanistic perspective in psychology?

• A. Existentialism
• B. Perennialism
• C. Behaviorism
• D. Structuralism

Answer: (A)

Existentialism emphasizes individual existence, freedom of choice, and personal responsibility, which lines up with the humanistic perspective’s focus on the whole person, self-actualization, and intrinsic motivation. In education, this means prioritizing student-centered learning, opportunities for authentic inquiry, and learning that people find personally meaningful. The teacher acts as a facilitator who supports autonomy and self-reflection rather than dictating every step of the process. The other approaches don’t fit as closely. Perennialism centers on universal truths and a fixed, timeless curriculum; behaviorism focuses on observable actions and external reinforcement; structuralism analyzes the basic components of conscious experience. These orientations contrast with the existential-humanistic emphasis on individual meaning and growth, making existentialism the best fit.

Existentialism emphasizes individual existence, freedom of choice, and personal responsibility, which lines up with the humanistic perspective’s focus on the whole person, self-actualization, and intrinsic motivation. In education, this means prioritizing student-centered learning, opportunities for authentic inquiry, and learning that people find personally meaningful. The teacher acts as a facilitator who supports autonomy and self-reflection rather than dictating every step of the process.

The other approaches don’t fit as closely. Perennialism centers on universal truths and a fixed, timeless curriculum; behaviorism focuses on observable actions and external reinforcement; structuralism analyzes the basic components of conscious experience. These orientations contrast with the existential-humanistic emphasis on individual meaning and growth, making existentialism the best fit.