Social Studies and the Nigerian Child: Review of Abraham Maslow Ideas in dealing with Problems

Abstract

This paper assessed Maslow Hierarchy of needs which has great implications for the practice of effective teaching and learning. It also discussed the seven levels of needs as physiological needs, safety and security needs, love and belongingness needs, self-esteem or self-worth needs, understanding and knowledge needs, aesthetic needs and self-actualization needs. The National philosophy of education in Nigeria recognizes the need for Social Studies education in building the desired orientation needed after independence in mobilizing the young citizens for national development. An explanation was also made on the challenges of the Social Studies education teachers in meeting the needs of the Nigerian child. Nigerian child is the bedrock of the Nigerian society therefore; it is pertinent to consider their basic needs. The paper discussed the goals and aim of Social Studies education within the view to examine and understand the communities locally and globally, their various heritages, physical systems, interactions and the nature of citizenship within them. Learning must be structured to permit critical thinking and experience based while the Nigerian child should be encouraged to interact among themselves and practice democratic values in school and beyond. The paper concluded that the nature of any society is determined by its educational system, so, to solve the problems of the society, emphasis should to be laid on what and how a subject is taught. If Social Studies is to deliver purposeful and meaningful instructions in Nigerian context, it must engage in challenges of real life activities which directly link the school and community.