You will identify one additional learning theory not covered in the textbook or in the article and

post a brief description of the theory.

The learning theory that I chose to write about is Humanism. This is actually one of my favorite

learning theories. In reference to Humanism, Merriam, Caffarella, and Baumgartner (2007) state

that, “people possess unlimited potential for growth and development” (p. 282). Humanism

focuses on a learner-centered approach to learning. From this perspective, people are directly

responsible for their own learning. I feel very strongly that people should take control of their

own learning and development. This is why I believe this is the most powerful learning theory.

People are empowered to drive their own success or failure when it comes to developing to their

full potential. The Humanist approach focuses on the experience of the learners for their

continued growth and development (Merriam, Caffarella, and Baumgartner, 2007). Humanism

is founded around the idea of self-actualization and is driven by intrinsic motivation (Merriam,

Caffarella, and Baumgartner, 2007). Carl Rogers and Abraham Mazlow both supported the

Humanist approach to learning. Both Rogers and Mazlow purposed that learning should be self-

directed and self-initiated. The outcome of the learning should satisfy a psychological need and

grant the learner with a sense of accomplishment (Merriam, Caffarella, and Baumgartner, 2007).

I have taken control of my growth and development for the past three years at a very rigorous

pace. Within that time, I have completed two certifications and most of a master’s degree

without anyone asking me to do any of it. I wasn’t getting any feedback at work from my

director on how I should grow and develop to help me with my career. I decided to take the

wheel and do it all without being prompted. My employer did pay for me to get the two

certifications, but they are not funding the cost for my master’s degree program. I previously

spent years working on an MBA because that is what my employer wanted me to do. I found
that was not the path that God wanted me on because my heart knew it was wrong. I finally

decided to take a different path with this program and it has been such a wonderful experience.

It was a completely self-directed and self-initiated approach for me. I decided not to be satisfied

with where I was at. I chose to learn and grow so that I could be more valuable to my

organization, but, most importantly, I decided to follow my heart and do it all for myself. At the

current time, there is nowhere else for me to go within my organization, unless they create a new

position for training and development. I am developing myself with an exit strategy in mind. I

have personal goals and dreams that I would like to actualize. It is this intrinsic motivation that

has gotten me through the very tough past two years and made it all a success. I am more

motivated because it is a personal dream that will be satisfied, instead of someone else’s

requirement. I believe the difference in perspective makes a world of difference in the

experience as well as the ultimate outcome.

References

Merriam, S., Caffarella, R., and Baumgartner, L. (2007). Learning in adulthood: A

comprehensive guide. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.