FAA Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI)The Teaching Process and MethodsEasy
A student pilot arrives for a lesson clearly distracted, admitting she is worried about being able to pay her rent this month. Despite the instructor's best efforts, she cannot focus on the cross-country planning lesson. According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which level is most likely interfering with her ability to learn?
- ASelf-actualization needs
- BSafety and security needs
- CEsteem needs
- DBelonging and love needs
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Safety and security needs
Maslow's hierarchy places safety and security needs, which include financial security and stability, just above basic physiological needs. Until these lower-level needs are reasonably satisfied, a student's attention and motivation for higher-level learning goals are compromised.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Self-actualization is the highest level, concerned with reaching full potential, not financial worry.
- C. Esteem needs relate to confidence and respect, not basic financial security.
- D. Belonging needs involve relationships and acceptance, not financial stability.
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
A theory proposing that human needs are arranged in a hierarchy, and lower-level needs must be reasonably satisfied before a person can focus on higher-level needs.
- Order: physiological, safety, belonging, esteem, self-actualization
- Unmet lower needs distract from learning
- Instructors should recognize when basic needs interfere with training
Memory trick: Please Send Bob Every Sandwich (Physiological, Safety, Belonging, Esteem, Self-actualization)