The Theory of Hierarchical Needs as developed by Abraham Maslow was first published in a journal article in 1943. Since that time, the concept has been expanded, revised, and utilized to describe and develop theories about the best ways to motivate individuals regarding a wide variety of subjects, including that of education.

Maslow's theory categorizes human needs in the form of a hierarchy. The most basic of human needs must be met in order to reach the next level of essential needs. The first level or the lowest level is common to all humans; it is that of physiological survival. The next level is that of safety needs which serves as the most basic motivation for action. This must be achieved in order to reach the higher level, the need for social responsibility. This is followed by the need for self esteem in the society. The final and the last stage is that of self-actualization.

Maslow's Hierarchy came from the general view of life experiences. It has been applied to those seeking an education as well as many other life situation. For instance, if a child is deprived of the basic necessities such as food, water, and sleep they cannot hope to achieve educational success. It is critical that children have plenty of the things they need to meet their needs.

If you meet the physical requirements, then the psychological demands like safety can be addressed. Children who live in abusive and neglectful homes will certainly have difficulties learning. Teachers can help these students by identifying and addressing potential problems. To a child, an adult, especially a primary caregiver, is supposed to be safe, responsible, and trustworthy.

Educators have come to be concerned nowadays that the next level of human necessities may become too fundamental and much too persuasive force in the classroom. Individuals who have successfully achieved physiological safety and security will shift their focus on socializing, which includes the essentials such as friendship, belonging to a group, and love. These goals, however, are important aspirations. Hence, the teachers and professionals have a responsibility to teach the students to work together in groups, and provide positive examples of social interactions and honest, accepting environments.

Only after certain levels have been achieved, can individuals focus on the important tasks related to esteem, reputation, achievement, and recognition. These are the levels that educators often wish to see their pupils reach, so that they will further excel in the classroom, reaching this goal and particular point of development is challenging and difficult.

Certain types of pupils make the classroom a fun place to be. Students searching for self-actualization, however, can make teachers feel uncomfortable and out of control. Students at the height of the needs hierarchy are looking for life???s meaning, truth, knowledge and principles. A person at the height of individual development, although unintentionally, can intimidate others who have not yet reached this highest level. Instead of focusing on personal feelings of inadequacy, teachers should focus on satisfying the needs of these students who are seeking truth and meaning in life. It is these students who will have the biggest impact on society. Educators have a very important role in these situations. A teacher could help the self-actualized student become even more capable if they concentrate on developing the student instead of the pain of their inner conflict.