Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs in the Context of Online Education

Abstract

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a renowned theory known as an essential component of motivation. Students will only reach their highest academic potential when all their needs are fulfilled. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, the nature of education changed drastically. Schools shifted to the online mode of education. The present study aimed to identify the fulfilment of needs in online classes on the basis of ‘Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs’. It examined the relationship between these needs being met and the level of understanding in online classes. A convenience sampling method was used to send out the survey to students studying in private schools which follow an Indian educational board’s curriculum (CBSE/ISC/ICSE). Sixty-four students from Delhi-NCR responded to the survey. A positive correlation was found between the fulfilment of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and the level of understanding in online classes. Differences in the fulfilment of needs of male and female students and younger and older students were also observed. This paper can be used in making curriculums for online classes while considering the different needs required by the student.