Title: If Maslow Taught Writing
Author: Hill, Ada & Beth Boone
Publication Data: 1982 - National Writing Project/Writing Teachers at Work

Major Points of Interest:

I looked at this publication and my curiosity was raised. Skepticism was among my first thoughts. Upon closer inspection and after having read the book I think the authors are on to something. The basis of the book is applying Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of human needs to the writing process. While Hill and Boone apply Maslow's theory to writing it would work across the curriculum as well.

Maslow theorized that our highest stage of development is self-actualization. At this stage a person works for a better world around them, feels satisfied with the ups and downs of their life, and seeks fulfillment in spiritual ways rather than material ones. To get to this level of development an individual needs to have their needs met at 4 succeeding levels:

1) basic level- a person has to have food, clothing , & shelter,

2) safety level- a person needs to feel secure in their environment, free of worry about surviving day to day,

3) belonging level- a person must be affiliated or belong to a larger group of society, and

4) ego level - an individual must feel recognition for their actions and place within society.

An accomplished, masterful teacher will recognize how to meet the needs of his students to help them reach their level of development. At the Basic level a teacher will strive to make sure that students who need materials have them without embarrassment. Pencils, pens, paper or art supplies meet students needs at the basic level. Students need a secure, comfortable classroom to all their knowledge and wriitng skills to take root. Students need to feel a part of the bigger picture. They need to be part of a larger group that will encourage them to grow and work toward success. If a student's writing needs work they have to have a classroom in which they feel their peers are there to help them. Good teachers make sure their students gain recognition for their success. This means publication for writers. This means approval for achieving greatness within the context of everyday events. It means a piece begun, or completed, or helping a classmate with their writing as an editor or friend.

Implications for Teaching or Writing:

The implications for teachers of writing are essentially this: If a teacher understands what motivates his students then he can meet their needs within the context of of the classroom. Learning proceeds best when an individual's needs are met and conflict is balanced to a point where stress and tension crowd out the rest of a students needs. Ada Hill and Beth Boone show how using Maslow's Theory of human development within the context of writing teachers can teach skillful writing and students can learn to write well.

Interest for Others:

This book should interest those who want to understand what motivates people in their daily lives and teachers who want to motivate students to meet their potential as writers and individuals.