APPLYING HUMANISTIC THEORY TO SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHING FOR BUILDING CHARACTER AND SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS IN THE 4.0 ERA

Abstract

This study explores the application of humanistic theory in Social Studies education in the United States as a strategy to strengthen students’ character development and social consciousness in the 4.0 era. Grounded in principles of personal growth, self-actualisation, and meeting students’ psychological needs, humanistic theory aims to foster empathy, tolerance, and social responsibility in learners. The integration of emerging technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers rich opportunities to enhance student engagement, create immersive experiences, and support the humanistic approach to teaching. Nevertheless, challenges such as unequal access to technology, disparities in infrastructure, and teachers’ preparedness remain significant barriers to successful implementation. This study underscores the importance of combining humanistic theory with innovative technologies to promote inclusive, student-centred, and transformative Social Studies education across diverse U.S. classroom settings.