...------------------------------------------------- Andragogy From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia An•dra•go•gy [an-druh-goh-jee, -goj-ee] Andragogy consists of learning strategies focused on adults. It is often interpreted as the process of engaging adult learners with the structure of learning experience. The term ‘andragogy’ has been used in different times and countries with various connotations. Nowadays there exist mainly three understandings: 1. In many countries there is a growing conception of ‘andragogy’ as the scholarly approach to the learning of adults. In this connotation andragogy is the science of understanding (= theory) and supporting (= practice) lifelong and lifewide education of adults. 2. Especially in the USA, ‘andragogy’ in the tradition of Malcolm Knowles, labels a specific theoretical and practical approach, based on a humanistic conception of self-directed and autonomous learners and teachers as facilitators of learning. 3. Widely, an unclear use of andragogy can be found, with its meaning changing (even in the same publication) from ‘adult education practice’ or ‘desirable values’ or ‘specific teaching methods,’ to ‘reflections’ or ‘academic discipline’ and/or ‘opposite to childish pedagogy’, claiming to be ‘something better’ than just ‘Adult Education’. The oldest document using the term "Andragogik": Kapp, Alexander (1833): Platon's Erziehungslehre, als Pädagogik für die Einzelnen und als Staatspädagogik. Leipzig. Originally used by Alexander...
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...------------------------------------------------- Andragogy The most dominant instructional method used in Europe and America is “pedagogy,” or what some people refer to as didactic, traditional, or teacher-directed approaches. Pedagogy, though, concerns teaching children. A competing idea in terms of instructing adult learners, and one that has gathered momentum within the past three decades, is called “andragogy.” (Note: I am using the spelling of this word preferred by Malcolm Knowles, the leading proponent of this theory.) The pedagogical model of instruction was originally developed in the monastic schools of Europe in the Middle Ages (and it is pretty much still the same today). Young boys were received into the monasteries and taught by monks according to a system of instruction that required these children to be obedient, faithful, and efficient servants of the church. The term pedagogy is derived from the Greek word “paid,” meaning child, plus “agogos,” meaning leading. Thus, pedagogy has been defined as the art of leading (or teaching) children. There is an old story concerning the origin of the word “pedagogue;” and, while this may not be true, it is an interesting anecdote. According to the legend, ancient Greek citizens who were wealthy would have a slave whose job was to lead their children to and from the school (the place of knowledge). That slave was called the “paidagogos” (leader of boys), and from that word we get the term for leading children to knowledge:...
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...ANDRAGOGY Merriam and Caffarella (1991) pointed out, Knowles conception of andragogy is an attempt to build a comprehensive theory (or model) of adult learning that is set in the characteristics of adult learners (as cited in Smith,2002,pg.1) Dr Malcolm Knowles was one of the early advocates of continuing professional development. The educational term andragogy was coined by Dr. Knowles. Dr. Knowles focused on finding a coherent and comprehensive theory of adult learning. He felt that the center point should form informal links between people, believing that people could learn a lot from others. Knowles developed the term into a set of principles designed to encourage adult learners to move from dependency to self-directedness. He also believed adult learners could draw upon their reservoir of experience for learning. He also acknowledged that adult learners are ready to learn, when they assume new roles. They want to solve problems, and apply new knowledge immediately (Margerison, 2005). Accordingly, Knowles adult facilitators should set a cooperative learning climate. Adult learners could also create mechanisms for mutual planning and arrange for a diagnosis of learner needs and interests. This would enable the formulation of learning objectives based on the diagnosed needs and interests of the learners. According to Smith (1999),”The facilitators would then design sequential activities for achieving the objectives, execute the design by selecting methods, materials...
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...A Comparison of Andragogy to Pedagogy Before the differences between Andragogy and Pedagogy can be examined a working definition of both needs to be established. Pedagogy is derived from the Greek words paid and agogus, which translates to the art and science of teaching children (Sarapin and Bertoline, 2000). Pedagogy is in actuality the study of being a teacher, the process of teaching, and the correct use of instructional strategies (“Pedagogy,” 2011). Pedagogy helps teachers understand the role of learning theory in the design and function of class activities (Okojie, Olinzock, and Okojie-Boulder, 2006). Pedagogy evolved in 7th and 12th century schools of Europe and its foundational theories about learning and learners are based on observations of monks teaching simple skills to children. These ideas were further adopted and reinforced in 18th and 19th century Europe and North America elementary schools. Even in the beginning stages of the scientific study of learning around the turn of the 20th century, research was limited to mostly the reactions of children. Because of this pedagogy evolved into a learning model predominately for the education of pre-adults (Holmes and Abington-Cooper, 2000). In the early 20th century when adult education began emerging, teachers of adults began seeing problems with the pedagogical model. One of the biggest problems was that pedagogy proposes that the purpose of education was the transmittal of knowledge and skills through the...
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...Running head: ADULT LEARNING THEORY: ANDRAGOGY1 Adult Learning Theory: Andragogy Jonathan S. Ponce American Public University System Author Note Jonathan Ponce for COLL 100, American Public University System, taught by Instructor Anthony Underhill ADULT LEARNING THEORY: ANDRAGOGY2 Abstract The andragogy theory can best be defined as the art and science of helping adults learn. This paper will explore exactly what the andragogy theory is and how it differs from pedagogy. A few examples of earlier andragogy strategies used in adult education were group discussions, interviews, and joint problem solving sessions. Now a days we see online tools such as discussion forums and blogs being used online to promote learning among adult learners. Simply put, andragogy is an organized and sustained effort to assist adults to learn in a way that enhances their capacity to function as self directed learners. ( Mezirow 1981) But does this method really only apply to adults? Could it be used by the younger learners before they reach adulthood? Is either method greater or more efficient than the other? Though mostly seen as a useful tool in adult education, studies into andragogy have shown that there are flaws within the core principles that conflict with its purpose of being a more...
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...Title: Humanist and Behavioral Traditions EDU 528: Methods of Teaching in Adult Education Professor: Helen Mc Eachin Ladreine E. Price Date: 12 May 2012 Strayer University Although Jean Piaget (1896 – 1980) was looked upon as a patriarch of cognitive theories during his time, his interest in human thinking worked towards evaluating results of children intelligence tests as he tracked relationships between their ages and what types of mistakes were made. Absorbed with this information, he realized that different mistakes are made predictably by and within a certain age group which then forced his attention into what was found. With his observations, he concluded that children were not less intelligent than adults, but they actually think differently. Santrock, John W. (2008) Piaget established what is now known as the Cognitive theory, a behaviorism theory that applies emphasis to structure and development of individuals thought processes; as with memory, decision making and resolution, from youth to adulthood. Piaget, J. (1990) Piaget described key processes used by individuals in its attempt to become accustom to: assimilation and accommodation. Both of these processes are used throughout life as the person increasingly adapts to the environment in a more complex manner. Assimilation is the process of using or transforming the environment so that it can be placed in preexisting cognitive structures. Accommodations are the processes of changing cognitive structures...
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...all-encompassing theory that explains how adults learn. The adult learning process is complex, context bound, and highly personal. As a result, there is no single theory of learning that can be applied to all adults. Instead, the literature of the past century has yielded a variety of models, sets of assumptions and principles, theories, and explanations that make up the adult learning knowledge base. The more adult educators are familiar with this knowledge base, the more effective their practice can be, and the more responsive it can be to the needs of adult learners. This fact sheet reviews three major theories and discusses their implications for practice. What is Andragogy? In attempting to document differences between the ways adults and children learn, Malcolm Knowles (1980) popularized the concept of andragogy (“the art and science of helping adults learn”), contrasting it with pedagogy (“the art and science of teaching children”). He posited a set of assumptions about adult learners, namely, that the adult learner • Moves from dependency to increasing self-directedness as he/she matures and can direct his/her own learning; • Draws on his/her accumulated reservoir of life experiences to aid learning; • Is ready to learn when he/she assumes new social or life roles; • Is problem-centered and wants to apply new learning immediately; and • Is motivated to learn from internal, rather than external, factors. Inherent in these assumptions are implications for practice. Knowles...
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...As a current adult learner Andragogy is a great manual for adult education. The core principles embody all of the ingredients that create a successful student and person. Although Andradogy is geared towards adult learners its principles can be applied to children. Two of these principles really capture why I returned to school. Experience and Readiness to Learn. Experience: As a person matures he accumulates a growing reservoir of experience that becomes an increasing resource for learning. (Matthew Knowles) This is so true. We make mistakes every day, hopefully ones we can recover from, and try to use our experience to make sure we are prepared the next time the situation or problem arises. The experience of not reaching my earning potential because of my lack of degree lead me to Cambridge College. Experiences are the key to life. Without them we would never learn how to survive. Readiness to Learn. As a person matures his readiness to learn becomes oriented increasingly to the developmental tasks of his social roles. Throughout your professional career you learn new software, techniques and policies all the time. To compete in today’s job market you have to be adaptable. Social roles evolve with time. You see that today with technology. It has eliminated numerous jobs that were some family’s single source of income. People who held jobs for twenty plus years were finding themselves unemployed. But on the other hand technology has created numerous opportunities...
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...Sandra J. Mitchell Trident University International MAE 524 – Adult Development and Learning Module 1 – Case Dr. Jerusalem Howard Fall 2013 Andragogy Andragogy was a concept first introduced by Alexander Kapp in 1833 to describe how adults learn as opposed to children (infed.org). It however did not gain much appreciation and it was not until around the 1950’s when the term came to surface again. Andragogy was actually a study done in Europe in the 1950’s that was researching on how adults learned. The current and recognized definition of andragogy “the art and science of helping adults learn” was coined by an American theorist of adult education Malcolm Knowles in the 1970’s (Queensland 2010). Knowles recognized that adults learned differently and brought unique characteristics to the learning environment, what he referred to as “adult learning principles” (Queensland). They are as follows: * Adults are internally motivated and self-directed * Adults bring life experiences and knowledge to learning experiences * Adults are goal oriented * Adults are relevancy oriented * Adults are practical * Adult learner like to be respected With these principles in mind, one can see that adult learners require a different approach when it comes to learning. When adults return to school, it is usually because they are looking to advance their career, learn a new skill or just to learn something new. With jobs getting harder and harder to find, many look...
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...ASSESMENT 1 - Authentic Tasks Report On Andragogy For Human Resource Manager At Google Nathan Puljic 07/04/2014 4057624 Executive Summary Within this report I will be covering the basis of adult learning, other wise known as andragogy. It will be based upon me recently working in a HR graduate position at the Google office in Sydney. I will be covering what andragogy actually means and the types of principles of learning that are suggested by this theory by Malcolm Knowles. Then I shall be writing suggestions on how the Google training manager could use the principles of the theory andragogy in skills training at Google, on the principles they have yet to introduce in their training. Finally I will list four references that I will recommend to the HR manager at Google that I found gave me a better understanding of andragogy. Introduction Learning is "a relatively permanent change in behaviour (or behaviour potential) resulting from one's experiences" (Delahaye, 2011: 31). When adults are learning, we call this andragogy. As we already should know, adults learn vastly different to how children learn (pedagogy). There are many key differences in the learning department when comparing children to adults, such as instead of asking what, adults would ask why. Andragogy is a theory that holds a set of assumptions about how adults learn...
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...Critics of andragogy state that “it lacks the fundamental characteristics of a science because it cannot be measured.” (Taylor & Kroth, 2009) It is not that they disagree with the foundations of andragogy, but that its variables are subject to interpretation and do not allow for a scientific validation. Within the model of andragogy there are a series of checks and balances with allow the instructor to tailor the model to the needs of the learner. It is a broad model that does not specifically point to one type of learner at a time. However andragogy is a theory about the characteristics of adulthood and the process from which these characteristics come from. Knowles states that the key characteristics of adulthood are “a) self-directed, b) task or problem-centered orientation to learning, c) internally motivated, d) life experience is a rich resource for learning and e) readiness to learn develops from life tasks and problems.” (Knowles, 1980) The best about the model is that it can be modified and adapted with the use of other theories in conjunction with Knowles idea. The worst is that it looks to the individual only and does not take into account the boundaries an instructor has within a classroom environments, were the are more than one individual that needs the program tailored to them. Sometimes it can work well if you have a classroom of like-minded individuals; but often you have to take into account other theories to adapt to the situation. Bibliography ...
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...Sergio Astorga INFT101_19B_201320 March 7, 2013 Summary The latest figures, related to students who are presently involved in any type of formal education, reveals that the numbers of adults in the search for education is rapidly rising. Statistics also show the reasons that drive adults to enroll in adult education as well as the advantage and or disadvantage they possess over a younger person. To develop a more adequate adult learning system, the federal and the states governments, have united efforts to come up with satisfactory methods of approaching adult educational environment, which would aid education institutions and teachers to develop styles to support adults to reach their educational goals. In an attempt to explain the reasons an adult seeks to achieve a higher cultural level, the essayist is going to summarize the perception from different scholars. Follow by the author’s personal experience in the field and seal the writing with the writer’s personal reflection on the discussed theme. The technological advances from the present digital era have engendered the need for highly trained laborers. Presently, jobs for unskilled workers are scarce, while trained labors have a considerable demand. This phenomenon triggered the individual interest on adults to seek for a better education. Besides the highly competitive rate from the contemporary operational forces, there are other peripheral compels, such as parenthood that urge the adult population to hunt for...
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...April 25, 2013 INFT 101- D92 LUO Summary Adult learning Theory is some times referred to as Andragogy. This theory is based on characteristics on how adults learn. The three steps related to adult learning are experience, critical reflection and development. Research conducted on adult learning theory helps to understand how adults learn better and activities can be developed to enhance their learning skills. Adult learning theory is a self-directed learning based on the assumption that education should focus on the development of the adult learner (Merriam, 2008). It enables the adult learner to become more in control and free. Today’s Army is composed of Soldiers who have chosen to serve voluntary to achieve various goals in life (Wilson & Smith, 2012). Soldiers may pursue education to get promoted to the next rank or to be able to get a job when they transition to Civilian life (Wilson & Smith, 2012). Recent studies conducted show the unemployment rate among veterans higher than non-veteran unemployment rates. Many Soldiers transition out with no intention to go to college although that was their intention when they joined the Military. Academic counselor have resolved that adult learning theory as a part of life mission is important in advising Soldiers make career based decisions (Wilson & Smith, 2012). Advisors use developmental academic advising, intrusive academic advising and prescriptive academic advising when they have...
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...Adult Learning and Healthcare Today Adults learning about changing Healthcare Abstract Adult education is rapidly grown today. More and more adults are finding themselves reading, reviewing and learning about the world around them. Theories of adult learning are based on valuing the prior learning and experience of adults. Adults base many of their day to day decisions on what they have learned from in their past. Being in the healthcare profession, many healthcare provides try and teach adults about their health and well being but must have that teaching-learning relationship for it to be effective. Adults learning about changing Healthcare Being a healthcare provider, every day we try and provide the most update information on healthcare and services to our clients. We try to educate our clients on the most current health information that can better their lives and wellbeing of not only them but their families and communities. This is where we enter the area of the provider and patient role or teacher and learner role. Here information is being taught about a patients well being. Being a provider of information we must first understand why and how an adult learns and what would be the most effective way for an adult to learn and understand about their healthcare or issues. Principles of Adult Learning One of the earliest people to theorize of adult learning was Malcolm Knowles. Malcolm Knowles was perhaps, “'the', central figure in US adult...
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...Andragogy vs Pedagogy Andragogy vs Pedagogy Today, there are many ways to obtain an education. Before, students obtained their education through sitting in a classroom in schools, colleges or universities. Now, obtaining ones education may be done by home schooling and online classes. The changes in the education system have led to the development of many teaching methods. Two major and common methods of teaching are andragogy and pedagogy. The purpose of this paper is to compare and contrast andragogy and pedagogy. “Andragogy is the process of engaging adult learners in the structure of the learning experience” (Conlan, Grabowski, & Smith. 2013). In simple words, it is the art and science of helping adults learn. This learning experience consists of different methods and strategies to assist adult humans in obtaining their education. Pedagogy is the connection of the teaching by the teacher, to the learning of a child student (Gehring, 2010). Thus, pedagogy literally means the art and science of teaching children. This is the most dominant form of teaching and referred to as the traditional, teacher-directed approach. “Andragogy is a newer word that was coined in the 1800s by Alexander Knapp, a German educator, and popularized in the 1960s by Malcolm Knowles, an American educator whose focus was on adult education” (Findsen, 2010). It fell into disuse and didn’t reappear until 1921when...
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