Andragogy

Andragogy refers to adult education. This differs from pedagogy as pedagogy often refers to how children learn.

Suggested by:

Alexander Kapp (1833)

German educator and editor, who originally introduced the term andragogy – a set of  teaching strategies for adults, involving engaging them in their learning experience.

Major Contributor:

Malcolm Knowles (1913 – 1997)

American adult educator, famous for the adoption of the theory of andragogy. Made five (originally – four) assumptions of Adult Learners

Knowles‘ 5 Assumptions of Adult Learners 

SELF-DIRECTION

Adults can learn more independently than children and can drive the direction of their learning

LIFE EXPERIENCE

Adults bring life experience and knowledge as a foundation to new learning

READINESS TO LEARN

Adult learners are ready to learn skills and new information that relate directly to their lives or work

PROBLEM-SOLVING

Adults are ready to take on problem-centric learning which they can apply directly to their work or lives

INTERNAL MOTIVATION

Adults are more internally motivated to learn than children because they understand the benefits of acquiring the new knowlege

STRENGTHS

  • Adults are self-directed
  • Adults are self- motivated
  • Adults have knowledge background which can be used during eductation
  • Adults can control the direction and set personal goals
  • Adults can immediately apply gained knowledge

LIMITATIONS

  • Applicable only if learners are interested in topic
  • Lack of motivation may slow down or interrupt eductational process
  • Background knowledge, if incorrect or outdated, may cause conflict betveen learner and teacher
  • To apply theory to group learners should have similar background or level of knowledge

Implications for instructional design

  • Background knowledge of learners must be tested or measured beforehand to set proper goals.
  • Learners should be allowed to have impact on selecting topics / objectives / goals.
  • Shared knowledge must be relevant and applicable to practical tasks.
  • Learning maerials should include extra content for independent processing (articles, eductational videos).

Citations:


Pappas, C. (2013, May 9). The Adult Learning Theory – Andragogy – of Malcolm Knowles. https://elearningindustry.com/the-adult-learning-theory-andragogy-of-malcolm-knowles.

Wagle, K. (2019, August 8). 12+ Amazing Differences Between “Andragogy” and “Pedagogy” Approach. Public Health Notes. https://www.publichealthnotes.com/12-amazing-differences-between-andragogy-and-pedagogy-approach/

Kerr, A. (n.d.). Section 2.2: Advantages and Disadvantages of Adult Learning Theory – People Learning and Development. Pressbooks. https://kpu.pressbooks.pub/peoplelearningdevelopment/chapter/section-2-2-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-adult-learning-theory/


Pedagogy, Andragogy, and Heutagogy. University of Illinois, Springfield. Accessed 2023, February 8. https://www.uis.edu/colrs/teaching-resources/foundations-good-teaching/pedagogy-andragogy-heutagogy