Andragogy
For Lifelong & Lifewide Learning
American Malcolm Knowles, in the early 1980's, developed a learning theory specifically focused on adult learners and their unique characteristics and needs.
Overview
Andragogy is the study and practice of teaching and facilitating learning experiences specifically tailored to the needs and characteristics of adult learners.
It emphasizes that adults should play an active role in directing their own learning process, and recognizes that adults are autonomous and self-directed learners who seek education to fulfill specific goals and solve real-life problems.
Five Assumptions of Andragogy
-
Self-Concept
-
Adult Learner Experience
-
Readiness to Learn
-
Orientation to Learning
-
Motivation to Learn
Six Principles of Andragogy
The five assumptions can be further broken down into six principles:
-
Need to Know
-
Experience
-
Self-Concept
-
Readiness
-
Problem Orientation
-
Intrinsic Motivation
3 Types of Learning Covered:
-
Formal - the learning objectives and goals are typically set by the educator/trainer
-
Informal - puts learners in control of their learning objectives and goals
-
Non-formal Learning - learning goals and objectives are determined with intentional effort by the individual but within the context of an organization or group
Strengths & Limitations
In general, adult learners are more self-directed, take an active role in the learning and are intrinsically motivated. On the one hand, this can make teaching less a bit easier if you have eager and responsible students who provide feedback, excel at working on group projects and make connections with their prior knowledge and experiences.
The typical pedagogy used with younger students will not be as successful with adult learners. Therefore, the educators and instructional designers need to modify and tailer the pedagogy to meet the unique needs and learning styles of adults. This can be a challenging new teaching context and will require some new tools and techniques - and a bit of learning on the part of the teacher or ID.
Instructional
Design
In order to provide an optimal learning experience for adults, it is crucial to provide opportunities for learners that draws on their prior experiences and knowledge and connects new information to their existing understanding.
Creating a supportive and respectful learning environment that values the learners' autonomy and fosters collaboration among peers.
Tailor the learning experiences to meet adult learners' unique needs and characteristics and empower adult learners to take charge of their learning journey.
Four Strategies include:
1. Promote Autonomy by recognizing adult learners' need for autonomy and self-directed learning. Incorporate elements such as self-paced learning modules, and offer learners opportunities to set their learning goals and chart their progress.
2. Create Collaborative Opportunities. Adult learners often value social interaction and learning from their peers - create collaborative learning experiences encouraging group discussions, peer feedback, and knowledge sharing(e.g. - group projects that require learners to work together to solve real-world challenges, virtual collaboration toolsand discussion forums)
3. Align Content with Real-World Relevance by connecting learning content to learners' real-life experiences and goals. Incorporate real-world case studies, simulations, and practical scenarios.
4. Provide Flexiblity and Choice for busy adult lives. Examples include: offering both asynchronous and synchronous learning sessions; offering a variety of learning resources, such as video lectures, interactive activities, and written materials, allowing learners to leverage the variety of inputs that comprise an optimal learning experience.
