What is the Andragogy Theory?

Life Coaching

In 1980, Malcolm Knowles popularised the concept of andragogy. Andragogy is the “art and science of assisting adults learn”. Knowles juxtaposed it with pedagogy, which is the art and science of assisting children to learn. Knowles and the andragogy theory postulate that adult learners are different from children in a number of different ways, including:

  • They need to know why they should be learning something.
  • They require internal motivation.
  • They want to know how learning will assist them specifically.
  • They bring prior knowledge and experience which form a foundation for their learning.
  • They are self-directed and would like to take charge of their learning journey.
  • They find the most importance from task-oriented learning which aligns with their own realities.

Andragogy learning theories concentrate on giving students an understanding of why they are doing something, a lot of hands-on experiences as well as less instruction so they are able to tackle things themselves.

The andragogy adult learning theory isn’t without criticism. Some make the suggestion that the andragogy adult learning theory doesn’t take other cultures into consideration well enough. While there are pros and cons, a lot of students find andragogy is very accurate and useful as they work to continue their education as well as learning.

What Are The Key Concepts Of Andragogy?

Knowles first identified four key pillars of understanding adult learners. He then added a fifth later. Those pillars are as follows:

Pillar #1: A Maturing Self-Concept

As an individual grows from being a child to an adult, their self-concept matures as well. They move from being reliant on others to being self-driven as well as independent. In other words, maturity results in growing autonomy and independence. While children are wholly dependent on others for their learning and understanding, adults learn and understand independently.

Pillar #2: Increasing Experience

As well as a maturing self-confidence, adults build a reservoir of experience. This increasing experience becomes a growing resource for their learning. Conversely, children have very little knowledge and need to rely on the knowledge of others to learn.

In other words, as children grow into adults – and gain more experience – certain things become intuitive. Their experience gives them the opportunity to intuit things that they never would have previously understood.

Pillar #3: An Increasing Readiness To Learn

As an adult grows into various social roles (employee, parent, spouse or citizen), their readiness to learn becomes oriented towards those roles.

Think about how this plays out in life. As an adult goes into the workforce, they need to orient their learning toward the skills needed for their job. As they become a parent, they must quickly learn all that’s involved in taking care of children. New roles necessitate new knowledge.

Pillar #4: A Shifting Application And Orientation

When an individual is young, their application of a subject is delayed and their orientation is subject-centred. For example, when someone takes algebra in grade 9, they don’t normally apply it immediately to real-life problems. They need to wait until they’re older and meet a requirement for algebra.

As an individual matures, their application of learning becomes urgent as well as more problem-centred. Adults encounter problems, learn how to resolve those problems, and then apply their knowledge immediately to those problems.

Pillar #5: An Internal Motivation To Learn

A child’s motivation to learn is usually external. They need to go to school and will encounter externally enforced consequences if they don’t. This changes as they grow into adults.

Adults are encouraged to learn internally. They want to grow in terms of self-development and move up the career ladder. Adults need to obtain new skills and find themselves facing an unfamiliar problem. Adults need to find a solution. Rather than having education forced on them, adults actually pursue education.

What Are The Benefits To Andragogy

Andragogy, the theory of adult learning, has several benefits that can help adults learn and develop more effectively. Here are some of the chief advantages of andragogy:

  • Increased Motivation: Andragogy recognises that adults are more motivated to learn when they can connect what they are learning to their personal goals and experiences. By aligning learning activities with adults’ interests and needs, andragogy can help increase motivation and engagement.
  • Personalisation: Andragogy emphasises the importance of personalised learning experiences. This means that adults can tailor their learning to their own learning styles and preferences, which can help them learn more effectively.
  • Active Learning: Andragogy emphasises active learning, where learners take an active role in their learning. This can include discussions, problem-solving activities, and simulations, which can help adult learners develop critical thinking skills and retain information better.
  • Relevance: Andragogy emphasises the importance of making learning relevant to adults’ lives and experiences. By making connections between what they are learning and their daily lives, adults are more likely to remember and apply what they have learned.
  • Collaborative Learning: Andragogy recognises the importance of collaborative learning, where adults can learn from and with others. Collaborative learning can help build social connections, facilitate peer learning, and create a supportive learning environment.
  • Professional Development: Andragogy can help adults develop new skills, knowledge, and competencies that can enhance their professional development. By providing opportunities for ongoing learning, andragogy can help adults stay competitive in their careers and open up new career opportunities.

What Is The Difference Between Andragogy And Pedagogy?

Andragogy and pedagogy are two different approaches to learning, with different underlying assumptions about the nature of learners and learning. The key difference between andragogy and pedagogy is the target audience.

Pedagogy is the theory of teaching and learning focused on children. Pedagogy assumes that learners are dependent on the teacher, have limited life experience, and need structure and guidance in their learning. The teacher is seen as the expert who is responsible for creating a structured and disciplined learning environment, where children learn through instruction, repetition, and memorization.

Andragogy, on the other hand, is the theory of adult learning. It is based on the assumption that adult learners are self-directed, have more life experience, and are motivated to learn by their own goals and interests. In andragogy, the teacher is seen as a facilitator, who creates a learning environment that is collaborative and student-centred. Adult learners are encouraged to take an active role in their learning, to draw upon their own experiences, and to work together with other learners to solve problems and achieve their learning goals.

How Does Andragogy Impact Adult Learning?

Andragogy can impact adult learning in several ways. Here are some of the key impacts of andragogy on adult learning:

  • Learner Autonomy: Andragogy recognises that adult learners are self-directed and have the ability to take responsibility for their own learning. This means that adult learners can set their own learning goals, choose their own learning activities as well as take an active role in their own learning.
  • Relevant Learning: Andragogy emphasises the importance of making learning relevant to adult learners’ lives and experiences. This means that adult learners are more likely to be motivated and engaged in their learning when they can connect what they are learning to their personal interests, goals, and experiences.
  • Active Learning: Andragogy emphasises the importance of active learning, where learners take an active role in their learning. This can include discussions, problem-solving activities, and simulations, which can help adult learners develop critical thinking skills and retain information better.
  • Collaborative Learning: Andragogy recognises the importance of collaborative learning, where adult learners can learn from and with others. Collaborative learning can help build social connections, facilitate peer learning, and create a supportive learning environment.
  • Experiential Learning: Andragogy emphasises the importance of experiential learning, where adult learners can learn through their own experiences. This can include hands-on learning activities, simulations, and real-world applications of learning, which can help adult learners apply what they have learned to real-world situations.

What Role Do Educators Play In Andragogy?

In Andragogy, educators play a different role compared to traditional pedagogical approaches. Instead of being seen as the sole expert and authority figure, the educator is viewed as a facilitator of learning and collaborator with adult learners.

The role of the educator in Andragogy is to generate a supportive and challenging learning environment that empowers adult learners to take responsibility for their own learning. Educators must recognise the diverse needs and backgrounds of adult learners and create learning experiences that are relevant and engaging.

The educator in Andragogy should encourage learners to bring their own experiences and expertise into the learning process. They should help learners to identify their learning goals and to create a plan for achieving those goals. Educators should also provide learners with resources and support to help them achieve their learning objectives.

The educator in Andragogy should facilitate active and collaborative learning experiences, where learners can engage in problem-solving, critical thinking, and peer learning. They should encourage learners to take risks and challenge themselves, while providing feedback and support along the way.

How Does Andragogy Impact Motivation And Engagement In Adult Learners?

Motivation and engagement in adult learners. Here are some of the ways that Andragogy can impact motivation and engagement in adult learners:

  • Relevant and Practical Learning: Andragogy emphasises the importance of making learning relevant and practical to adult learners’ lives and experiences. This means that adult learners are more likely to be motivated and engaged in their learning when they can see the direct connection between what they are learning and their personal goals, interests, and experiences.
  • Active Learning: Andragogy emphasises the importance of active learning, where learners take an active role in their learning. This can include discussions, problem-solving activities, and simulations, which can help adult learners develop critical thinking skills and retain information better. Active learning can increase engagement and motivation by providing learners with a sense of control and autonomy over their learning.
  • Collaborative Learning: Andragogy recognises the importance of collaborative learning, where adult learners can learn from and with others. Collaborative learning can help build social connections, facilitate peer learning, and create a supportive learning environment. This can increase motivation and engagement by providing learners with a sense of community and support.
  • Experiential Learning: Andragogy emphasises the importance of experiential learning, where adult learners can learn through their own experiences. This can include hands-on learning activities, simulations, and real-world applications of learning, which can help adult learners apply what they have learned to real-world situations. Experiential learning can increase motivation and engagement by providing learners with a sense of relevance and practicality.
  • Learner Autonomy: Andragogy recognises that adult learners are self-directed and have the ability to take responsibility for their own learning. This means that adult learners can set their own learning goals, choose their own learning activities, and take on an active role in their own learning. By providing adult learners with a sense of control and autonomy over their learning, Andragogy can increase motivation and engagement.

 

Contact Think Coaching Academy

Motivating adult learners is an integral part of what a life coach does. Sign up for our Life Coaching Course and discover how this is done!

Think Coaching Academy - Life Coaching

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who developed Andragogy theory?

Andragogy theory was first developed by Malcolm Knowles, an American educator, in the 1960s. Knowles was a pioneer in the field of adult education and is often credited with establishing the field of adult learning.

The key principles of Andragogy theory include self-directed learning, experiential learning, relevance to the learner’s life, and the incorporation of the learner’s existing knowledge and experience.

How does Andragogy theory differ from Pedagogy?

Andragogy theory differs from pedagogy in that it focuses on the unique needs and characteristics of adult learners, while pedagogy is more focused on children and young learners. Andragogy emphasises self-directed learning, while pedagogy is more teacher-directed.

What are the benefits of using Andragogy theory in adult education?

The benefits of using Andragogy theory in adult education include increased engagement, motivation, and retention of information, as well as the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

How can Andragogy theory be applied in practice?

Andragogy theory can be applied in practice by incorporating activities that encourage self-directed learning, such as group discussions, problem-solving activities, and real-world applications of learning. It can also involve incorporating learners’ existing knowledge and experience into the learning process, and providing opportunities for collaborative and experiential learning.