Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs has heavily impacted the way I approach teaching. The theory says that certain basic needs must be met before an individual has motivation to do more complex tasks. In example, we can’t expect a child to solve a difficult math problem if they do not feel safe in the class environment.

Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) is another theory that drives my instruction and teaching style. The Zone of Proximal Development is defined as the space between what a learner can do without assistance and what a learner can do with adult guidance or in collaboration with more capable peers.