My Life and Humanistic Psychology I began my study for my doctorate in 1960 at Northern Illinois University. The basic philosophy of the Education Department was Humanistic Psychology. I had been introduced to this concept recently while teaching fourth grade at Barrington, Illinois Public Schools where I was involved with “Individual Instruction.” My masters’ paper (1957) is entitled Individualed Reading in the Fourth Grade.  I had 29 students and it may have been my best o

We are: Dr. Peter McGahey; University of West Virginia Dr. Peter Pierro; University of Oklahoma (ret.) And: We produce this beyourbest2day blog weekly. And: This blog begins our fifth year. During these four years we have introduced you to these Psychologists:  Abraham Maslow - Ivan Pavlov  - Rudolf Dreikurs - Max Wertheimer - Bob Rotella During these four years we have introduced you to these philosophers: Johann Herbart - Wolfgang Kohler  Friedrich - Alfred Adler -

As we say goodbye to 2025, we just want to take a moment to say thank you. We’re so grateful for the chance to share ideas, stories, and experiences with such passionate coaches. Learning alongside you has been an incredible journey—one filled with growth, laughter, and plenty of “aha” moments. You make the coaching community special, and we’re honored to be part of it. Every day, you make a real difference in the lives of athletes. Sport is full of gifts—confidence, resilien

The three main theories of learning: 1. Natural Unfoldment Learning Theory, 2.The Mental Discipline Theory of Learning, and 3. Apperceptive Mass Theory of Learning. In each of these theories there are now sub-theories, additions, and variations. This week we will focus on the Natural Unfoldment Learning Theory. Natural Unfoldment Learning Theory This theory on the nature of learning stems logically from the theory that man is naturally good and at the same time active in rel

Thorndike’s Three Laws of Learning Edward Thorndike was an American psychologist who developed three laws of learning; the Law of Effect, the Law of Readiness, and the Law of Exercise. His theory further claims that learning is the formation of connections between stimuli and responses. Law of Effect This is the simple idea that any behavior followed by a satisfying result is more likely to be repeated, while behaviors followed by unpleasant results are less likely to be re

Wishing you and your family a joyful holiday season filled with connection, gratitude, and celebration. We are deeply thankful for the opportunity to share our learning journey with you. Our shared commitment to creating positive sports experiences for ALL players continues to inspire us every day. Our mission remains clear: sports are a powerful classroom—shaping character, fostering growth, and bringing out the best in each individual. To achieve this, our players need e

Ivan Petrovich Pavlov - Classical Conditioning Born: September 26, 1849, Ryazan, Russia. Died: February 27, 1936 (age 86 years), St. Petersburg, Russia Overview Ivan Petrovich Pavlov was a Russian physiologist and Nobel laureate who discovered classical conditioning through his experiences with dogs and food. The dogs upon hearing the metronome ticking - involuntary responses became associated with a new stimulus. Pavlov observed that his dogs would salivate at the sound of

Definition: Behaviorism is a school of psychology focused on observable behavior, positing that all behaviors are learned through interactions with the environment via conditioning. Its main principles include a focus on stimulus-response relationships and the use of conditioning (both classical and operant) to explain and modify behavior through reinforcement and punishment.  For the next few weeks, we will be looking at a very complex school of psychology; Behaviorism. The

Founder: Johann Friedrich Herbart Oldenburg, Germany   May 4, 1776  -  August 14, 1841 Johann Friedrich Herbart was a leader in the evolution of educational psychology and pedagogy, known primarily for his theory of apperception and a structured instructional model. Herbart studied under philosopher Immanuel Kant, emphasizing humanism and individual experience as central to education. He distinguished between teaching—simply delivering knowledge—and educating, which involves

This is Dr. Peter S. Pierro preparing this week’s blog that Dr. Peter J. McGahey and I create together. Our relationship dates back to the early 2000s when we were both working with the Oklahoma Soccer Association. Peter called me up in 2020 and suggested that we write a book together. I thought it would be a great idea so we went to work and produced Grassroots Coaching  in 2022. The subtitle to the book, Using Sports Psychology and Coaching Principles Effectively  is meant

We would like to complete the Rudolf Dreikurs series with a process that is very critical for coaches of young players, viz., Logical Consequences. There are times when the coach is confronted with misbehavior from the player and punishment seems to be the only solution to the problem - "The punishment must fit the crime.” Lashing out or getting even is how some students compensate for real or imagined hurt feelings. The target of the revenge may be the coach, other players,

A weekly commentary presenting  the basic philosophical thought of Alfred Adler,  Haim Ginott, Carl Rogers or a related scholar. This week we will recall the author of Children the Challenge;  Rudolph Dreikurs. The third of Dreikurs’ Goals of Misbehavior is Display of Inadequacy. Many years ago I included in my writings the case of Harry the Hopeless.                  Dreikurs believed in prevention, and his main focus was on constructive behavior rather than coercive disc

A weekly commentary presenting  the basic philosophical thought of Alfred Adler, Rudolph Dreikurs, or a related scholar. This week our...

A weekly commentary presenting  the basic philosophical thought of Alfred Adler, Rudolph Dreikurs, or a related scholar. Adler’s...

Alfred Adler - A Weekly Commentary For each of the next sessions we will present a basic philosophical thought of Alfred Adler, Rudolph...

When you type his name in your search address, that’s what you will be met with.Haim G. Ginott was a school teacher, and much more - he...

Recognition, Acknowledgement, Affirmation. I have discussed an issue during these blogs and given you this quote: “A mistake a player...

As I stated a couple of weeks ago, I was in my first college teaching position, about 1970, when Rudolph Dreikurs’ book, Children the...

During my first college teaching position, about 1970,   a new book hit our profession, Children the Challenge , by Rudolph Dreikurs....

One of my favorite sessions as a college professor, working with teachers and prospective teachers, was based on Rudolph Dreikurs’...