Andragogy

By: Shermaine Meade-Daniel

Definition of Andragogy

Androgogy (an-druh-goh-jee) is the process of helping adults learn (ThoughtCo., 2017).

Background Information

German educator, Alexander Kapp, in 1833, coined the term

in his book, Plato’s Educational Ideas. (ThoughtCo., 2017).

Background Information

Although Kapp coined the term, it was Malcolm Knowles, however, who received the credit during the 1970’s with his extensive literature about adult education (ThoughtCo.,2017).

Background Information

N.B. Pedagogy and andragogy are not synonymous.

Pedagogy is a child based approach to teaching whereas andragogy is an adult focused teaching approach (Johnson, P., 1988).

Background Information

The adult learning approach is founded upon several theories.

Instrumental Theories:

1. Behavioural Theories (Thorndike, Skinner)

2. Cognitive Theories (Piaget, Bruner, Ausubel, Gagne)

3. Experiential Theories (Bruner, Piaget, Hart)

Humanistic Theories: (Knowles)

Transformative Learning Theory: (Mezirow)

Social Theory of Learning: (Wenger)

Motivational Models: (Maslow)

Reflective Models: (Schön, Archer)

(Taylor, 2013)

Comparison Chart

Andragogy Pedagogy

Focus Learning is independent, self-directed, and/or

cooperative among adults.

On a teacher's methods of transferring knowledge

to a student, who is dependent on the teacher's

methods and understanding.

Authority Adults have control over much of their learning

experience and must be motivated to learn. They

often seek out new or different learning

experience, at will.

The students’ learning experience is controlled by

the teacher, and much of what is taught is based

on rigid curricula.

Importance of Grades May be very low High

………………………………………………………

Differences between Andragogy and Pedagogy

Retrieved from

https://www.diffen.com/difference/Andragogy_vs_

Pedagogy

Elements of Andragogy

Knowles presented five principles about adult learning.

Knowles’ Principles of Andragogy

Retrieved from

https://tofasakademi.com/what-is-adult-learning-theory/

Elements of Andragogy

1. Self Concept

An adult is at the mature, developmental stage and is capable of determining his/her learning goals and needs (ELearningIndusty, 2013).

Elements of Andragogy

2. Problem Oriented

Many adults engage in continuing education because it is perceived as the solution to problems the desire to resolve (ELearnIndustry, 2013).

Elements of Andragogy

3. Readiness to Learn

This refers to the ability of adults to further their learning based on roles they already assume or wish to assume (ElearnIndustry, 2013).

Elements of Andragogy

4. Have Experience

An adult has a huge database of knowledge which accumulated as the individual matured to aid his/her learning (ELearnIndustry,2013).

Elements of Andragogy

5. Internally Motivated

Adults are intrinsically motivated to learn (ELearnIndustry, 2013).

Characteristics of Adult Learners

Adults are self-directed: It is important for the individual

to feel in control of his/her learning. This is facilitated if adults are given options and choices and the support of their instructors.

Practical and Results Oriented: Adults prefer to learn

knowledge and skills that are relevant to improving their careers.

Less Open-minded: Adults tend to be more resistant to

change given that they have pre-existing perceptions or pho bias acquired through their years of experience. Therefore, the andragogue and instructional designers need to furnish rational reasons why the adult learner needs to embrace new content/concepts (ELearnIndustry, 2013).

Characteristics of Adult Learners

Slower Learning, Yet More Integrative Knowledge: Aging impacts the rate at which adults learn. However, the quality of their learning tends t increase over time.

Use Personal Experience as a Resource: Adults draw

on their prior knowledge and experiences. This strengthens the belief that it is best to group adult learners who have similar interests and experiences in order to create a more meaningful community of learners.

Motivation: learning during adulthood is intrinsic. The

andrgogue is charged to provide the adult learner with thought-provoking content that will challenge and stimulate learning.

Characteristics of Adult Learners

Multi-level Responsibilities: Adults try to balance several aspects of life: family, careers and their social life. Adding continuous learning makes life more hectic. It is advised that instructional designers take this factor into consideration and create learning programmes that are flexible and accommodate busy/hectic lifestyles and appreciate the fact that an adult’s personal responsibilities can impair the learning process.

High Expectations: Adult expect to learn skills and knowledge that are relevant to their work and in a timely order. They need to feel like their time and money is not wasted. It is critical that adult courses are designed to “maximize their advantages, meet their individual needs and address all the learning challenges” (ELearnIndustry, 2013).

Another Perspective of Andragogy

Pedagogy is a child-based learning approach.

Andragogy is an adult-based learning approach.

Malcolm Knowles considered that adults learn differently from children. Interestingly, many of the andragogical principles can be applied equally to children's learning. Therefore, it is probably more reasonable to think in terms of a learning continuum, which spans throughout an individual’s life, with different emphases, problems and strategies at different times (Taylor, 2013).

References

ELearnigIndustry. (2013). The adult learning theory-andragogy. Retrieved

from https://elearningindustry.com/the-adult-learning-theory-and-

andragogy-of-Malcolm-Knowles

Johnson, P.Ph.D. (1988). Creative teaching in the community college 54. Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED339447.pdf

Taylor, D. (2013). Medical Teacher. Adult learning theories:implications for learning and teaching in medical education: AMEE Guide 35(11). Retrieved from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/0142215x.2013.828153

ThoughtCo. (2017). What is andragogy and who needs to know? Retrieved from www.thoughtco.com/what-is-andragogy-31318

Tofas Akademi. (2017). What is adult learning theory? Retrieved from https://tofasakademi.com/what-is-adult-learning-theory/