Humanism In The Foreign Language Classroom

Servat Shirkhani*, Ardeshir Danesh**
* Department of Foreign Languages, Khorram Abad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Khorram Abad, Iran.
** Department of Foreign Languages, Borujerd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Borujerd, Iran.
Periodicity:October - December'2013
DOI : https://doi.org/10.26634/jelt.3.4.2515

Abstract

Humanistic principles emphasize the importance of the individual and specific human needs. Humanism in education has been in concern during the last few decades. However, there are controversies as whether to use its principles in foreign language classrooms or not. The present paper provides an overview of the major assumptions underlying humanism as well as different emphases of it. In general, most literature on humanism is concerned with its relation to education, this paper use the implications of the contributions of humanism to education in explaining the way humanism can contribute to foreign language teaching. In addition, areas of difficulty that are faced when trying to put humanistic values into practice in the classroom, are described. Next, an important point is given regarding criticisms against humanism in language teaching. Finally, the paper discusses whether it is better to use or not to use humanism in foreign language teaching.

Keywords

Humanism, Humanistic Psychology, Humanistic Education, Humanistic Language Teaching, Emphases of Humanism

How to Cite this Article?

Shirkhani, S., and Ardeshir, D. (2013). Humanism In The Foreign Language Classroom. i-manager’s Journal on English Language Teaching, 3(4), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.26634/jelt.3.4.2515

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