Learning and Teaching

What is Maslow Before Bloom?

The phrase Maslow Before Bloom has gained popularity in educational circles as a way to emphasize that students' basic needs must be met before they can fully engage in academic learning. Maslow Before Bloom references two influential 20th-century American psychologists: Abraham Maslow and Benjamin Bloom.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Abraham Maslow (1908-1970) is renowned for his Hierarchy of Needs, which organizes human needs into five tiers: physiological, safety, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. 

The lower tiers of physiological and safety needs represent fundamental human requirements such as food, water, shelter, security, and financial stability. Students who struggle to meet these necessities often find it challenging to focus on academic success. The middle tiers of love and belonging and esteem emphasize the need for social connections and self-worth, which can impact how students perceive their place in the classroom and beyond. Finally, the top tier, self-actualization, represents the pursuit of personal growth and fulfillment once all other needs are met.

Bloom’s Taxonomy

Benjamin Bloom (1913-1999) developed the Taxonomy of Educational Objectives, which categorizes cognitive skills necessary for learning. These skills progress from simple tasks like recalling facts to more complex ones like evaluating or creating new information. Bloom also identified affective stages related to emotional development.

The connection between Maslow and Bloom is significant: if a student's basic needs aren't met, they are unlikely to excel academically or emotionally. Only when students feel safe, secure, and supported can they truly engage in higher-order thinking and learning.

How Can We Maslow Before Bloom?

To help students thrive academically, we must first create environments that meet their basic needs. This involves not only providing resources but also fostering environments that encourage the development of self-regulation, conflict resolution, and emotional resilience. By modeling these behaviors, adults can help children manage stress and navigate difficult emotions.

Once physiological and safety needs are met, focus should shift to creating a sense of belonging and building self-esteem. This can be done through open communication, sharing knowledge, and celebrating achievements within the family or community. Strong relationships and a supportive network are essential for reducing stress and fostering growth.

Ultimately, the phrase Maslow Before Bloom reminds us that student success depends on more than academic instruction. By addressing the foundational needs of all students, we can create a more equitable and supportive educational system that benefits both individuals and communities.

Laura Leung

Learning and Teaching