Humanism as a teaching philosophy / Giovanni Clyde E. Rebadulla

Humanism as a philosophy in education considers learning from the viewpoint of unlimited human potential for growth and both nourishing and development, becoming the best one can be (Brockett, 1998). By providing environment that is an encouraging, the student will learn, control their destiny and strive for a better world (Parrish, 2010). I concur with this idea because if sense of humor is delivered at a proper time and place, this makes the classroom environment livelier, and makes the lectures and activities more stimulating (NDPC/N, 2013).A moral dimension, which includes development of virtue and character through the educative process, are indispensable elements in the teacher's task and therefore must be included in the teaching programs (Parrish, 2010).In the same article, Parish mentioned that the concept of Erasmian humanism of education is a method for cultivating human potential and dignity to the fullest possible extent. Following the ideals of the humanist philosophy, teachers must entice the students to learn, but the teacher himself must be likeable because students learn best if they have the inner desire to learn and if their teachers are respectable and likable(Hamachek, 1969). Students are excited to see their favorite teachers, not because of the looks but because they believe that they learn more with this particular teacher(Jones, 2007). The common characteristics of likable teachers are usually kind hearted, with passion to teach, with a heart who can understand their inadequacies and have the time to guide them to study(Jones, 2007).Words of encouragement are also important in Humanism (Yair, 2000). The guidelines of Erasmus are the following, when giving encouragement, it must have sincerity and with valid grounds (Hanrahan, 1998). In counseling, this will guide the student on what to do and how to improve the grades, but this is also a chance of the teacher to know the student personally especially that at this time, the students needs more attention and guidance (Ovando, 1994; Yair, 2000;). Rogers, (as cited in Hansen, 2002) stressed that early humanists believed that counseling is a highly rational affair grounded in genuineness, empathy, and unconditional positive regard. Teacher benefit from the experience of the students and students are guided by the teacher to use the experience as a source of knowledge.

General Education.