Andragogy by William Johnson

Andragogy

What is Andragogy?

Andragogy is a theory made specifically for adults that states how they learn best. I would have to say that andragogy belongs under the constructivism school. I say constructivism because learners learn through their own experience's and transfer what they already know acquire new knowledge. Andragogoy was introduced in 1968 by Malcolm Knowles. Andragogy and the words "adult education" are synonyms. This theory states that adult learners are self motivated to learn relevant material and take complete responsibilities for their decisions. In 1980 Knowles introduces 4 assumptions about how adults learn. A 5th assumption was later added in 1984. Knowles assumptions are listed below:

Knowles’ 5 Assumptions Of Adult Learners

1. Self-concept

As a person matures his/her self concept moves from one of being a dependent personality toward one of being a self-directed human being.

2. Adult learner experience

As a person matures he/she accumulates a growing reservoir of experience that becomes an increasing resource for learning.

3. Readiness to learn

As a person matures his/her readiness to learn becomes oriented increasingly to the developmental tasks of his/her social roles.

4. Orientation to learning

As a person matures his/her time perspective changes from one of postponed application of knowledge to immediacy of application, and accordingly his/her orientation toward learning shifts from one of subject-centeredness to one of problem centeredness.

5. Motivation to learn

As a person matures the motivation to learn is internal (Knowles 1984:12).

(Knowles assumptions taken from The Adult Learning Theory - Andragogy - of Malcolm Knowles)

To compliment the assumptions made by Knowles he introduces principles that are applied to andragogy (adult learning).

Knowles’ 4 Principles Of Andragogy

1. Adults need to be involved in the planning and evaluation of their instruction.

2. Experience (including mistakes) provides the basis for the learning activities.

3. Adults are most interested in learning subjects that have immediate relevance and impact to their    job or personal life.

4. Adult learning is problem-centered rather than content-oriented. (Kearsley, 2010)

(Knowles Principles taken from The Adult Learning Theory - Andragogy - of Malcolm Knowles)

As one can see andragogy is centered around teaching adults with the use of current and past experiences with blatant relevancy for the learner. An example of a real word example is also provided by Knowles. Training learners on personal computer use. First the facilitator must state what is being learned and why.  Explaining what functions or commands that the learner must learn is important. Next the task must be something the learner can perform and not memory based. Learning activities should be used so the learner can get hands on training to practice. Third all of the instructions must be easy for all of the learners to understand. Whether they are novice at using computers or veterans. Finally since adults are self directed they should be allowed to explore and learn things on their own. If mistakes are maid while performing certain task the facilitator will be there to guide all of the learners. 

The chart below illustrates both the assumptions and principles of andragogy that were discussed above. Also providing a little information about Malcolm Knowles.

Relevant links:

The Adult Learning Theory - Andragogy - of Malcolm Knowles

Andragogy (Malcolm Knowles)

Andragogy in Practice: Clarifying the Andragogical Model of Adult Learning

References:

Andragogy (Malcolm Knowles). (n.d.). Retrieved August 14, 2016, from http://www.instructionaldesign.org/theories/andragogy.html

Holton, E. F., Swanson, R. A. and Naquin, S. S. (2001), Andragogy in Practice: Clarifying the Andragogical Model of Adult Learning. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 14: 118–143. doi:10.1111/j.1937-8327.2001.tb00204.x

Pappas, C. (2013, May 9). The Adult Learning Theory - Andragogy - of Malcolm Knowles. Retrieved August 14, 2016, from https://elearningindustry.com/the-adult-learning-theory-andragogy-of-malcolm-knowles