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Adult Learning Andragogy

Malcolm Knowles developed the theory of andragogy to describe adult learning. Andragogy refers to the art and science of helping adults learn as opposed to pedagogy which refers to teaching children. Knowles identified five assumptions about adult learners: they are self-directed, draw on life experiences, are ready to learn, are problem-centered, and are internally motivated. He also proposed four principles for adult learning: involve adults in planning, incorporate experiences, make learning relevant, and focus on problems not content.

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66 views2 pages

Adult Learning Andragogy

Malcolm Knowles developed the theory of andragogy to describe adult learning. Andragogy refers to the art and science of helping adults learn as opposed to pedagogy which refers to teaching children. Knowles identified five assumptions about adult learners: they are self-directed, draw on life experiences, are ready to learn, are problem-centered, and are internally motivated. He also proposed four principles for adult learning: involve adults in planning, incorporate experiences, make learning relevant, and focus on problems not content.

Uploaded by

Elizabeth Ramos
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We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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The Adult Learning Theory Andragogy

Malcolm Shepherd Knowles (1913 1997) was an American educator well known for the use
of the term Andragogy as synonymous to the adult education. According Malcolm
Knowles, andragogy is the art and science of adult learning, thus andragogy refers to any form
of adult learning. (Kearsley, 2010).
The term andragogy can be supposedly equivalent to the term pedagogy. Andragogy in Greek
means the man-leading in comparison to pedagogy, which in Greek means child-leading
Knowles 5 Assumptions of Adult Learners
In 1980, Knowles made 4 assumptions about the characteristics of adult learners
(andragogy) that are different from the assumptions about child learners (pedagogy). In
1984, Knowles added the 5th assumption.
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 4 Principles of Andragogy


In 1984, Knowles suggested 4 principles that are applied to adult learning:
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.

4.

Adults are most interested in learning subjects that have immediate relevance and impact
to their job or personal life.
Adult learning is problem-centered rather than content-oriented. (Kearsley, 2010)

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