Introduction
Andragogy, or Adult Learning Theory, assumes that an adult learner is a self-directed and independent learner. It asserts that adult learners are self-driven and know their responsibilities for their decisions and learning process, unlike children, who need constant monitoring and financial assistance from their teachers. It is relatively a new term in the education industry. As more senior learners are returning to college to complete their education, the adult learning theory has come into three limelight. In this article, you will learn about the importance and advantages of andragogy.
The History of Andragogy
Before we continue, let us understand what andragogy is. Andragogy is derived from Greek, which means leading men, i.e., adults. Andragogy is the science of understanding and supporting the lifelong education of adults. It was proposed by a German educator, Alexander Kapp, but was extensively researched and popularised by the American educator, Malcolm Knowles, after WWII (Source: Wikipedia). Understanding the theory can be beneficial for adult learners as it will give you immense insights into the learning methodologies and bear the reason why you are studying. As it sheds light on what leads an adult learner to undertake a learning process, you can use this to implement your learning strategies with much more precision and reduce the room for errors or misinformation.
The Assumptions and Principles of Andragogy Theory
In 1980, Knowles adapted his concept to include these assumptions about adult learners. They revolve around self-concept, the adult learning experience, readiness to learn, and orientation to learning (Source: "Principles of Adult Learning". literacy.ca).
The theory assumes that the adult learner
They need to know the reason for their learning.
must have prior experience in the field to build upon.
must be self-aware throughout the entire learning process.
must be willing to learn those subjects that resonate with their immediate surroundings.
The learner's orientation must be more toward the problem than the content.
And finally, adults respond better to internal than external motivators.
Based on these assumptions, the theory gives a framework for adult learners and educators to follow. This consists of another six principles, which are further derived from these assumptions. Let us take a look at them for a better understanding of the adult learners' mindset. All these emphasise that adult learning is based more on comprehension, organisation, and synthesis of knowledge than on memorization or rote learning.
Adults learn only when they feel there is a need to learn, and the practical application of what they learn is a decisive factor in adult learning. They learn by keeping the end in mind. How the learning will help them is more important to them than the process.
Adults learn by doing; although learning by doing is effective even for adolescents, adults learn and understand through an active application, practice, and participation. This approach integrates the learned skills into an adult's life.
Problem-solving is the focus of adult learning; adults start with a specific problem in their minds and continue learning by finding a solution to that problem. They need engagement and communication to go deeper. As a result, their knowledge will be elaborate and last longer than that of adolescents or children.
Experience affects adult learning; typically, adults are highly experienced in all aspects of their lives. As a result, preconceived ideas will have a say in the quality of their learning. If their prior experience was based on inaccurate information, it can interfere with present-day learning. Likewise, accurate information makes it easier for them to learn.
Conventional educational settings have little appeal to adults; adult learners like an inclusive, collaborative, and networking environment and become active participants in their learning process. They like to take responsibility for their own learning.
Adults want guidance as equal partners in their learning; they want to improve their situation through information. Following a set pattern in the curriculum is of little use in adult learning. Adults want to choose options according to their individual needs and the impactful engagement the learning process can give. Socialisation is more important than curriculum or rigid teaching patterns.
Finally, for adult learners to succeed, they must be interested in the subject or need to learn the subject. Any institution that employs the above-mentioned principles in its teaching strategies can easily help adult learners reach their true academic potential. principles in its teaching strategies can easily help adult learners reach their true academic potential. Thankfully, the UK higher education system is one such system designed for senior learners.
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What is The Difference Between Pedagogy and Andragogy?
Andragogy
Teaching adults centres on learning the necessary skills or knowledge to further personal and professional development. Andragogy is a theory of learning for people who prefer to learn on their own. It indicates that the learner is independent and doesn't need much direction. They utilise a variety of services to assist them in overcoming significant obstacles and learning difficulties. Students' learning experiences play a significant role in this format and aid in their improvement on the topic. Although it can't be argued that a teacher won't play a part, their position will be limited to helping students talk about their experiences, development, and grasp of problem-solving.
Pedagogy
Teaching children centres learning on the essential stages that a child must accomplish before being able to move on to the next stage. The science of teaching, often known as pedagogy, affects how pupils learn. It is concentrated on enhancing the pupils' prior knowledge. The teacher's contribution is crucial in advancing the curriculum and resolving issues. It helps students learn ideas and use them in contexts other than their textbooks. In an educational setting, pedagogy is a method of transmitting knowledge and skills. In a child's early schooling, it is very significant. For improved learning results, teachers must ensure that the pupils are in a conducive learning environment (Source: University of Illinois).
The major differences between andragogy and pedagogy
1. The ability to adjust to new situations
You can tell that an adult learner is far more responsible if you compare their capacity for learning to that of a toddler. In addition to being more responsible, they also possess superior intelligence that increases their capacity to learn new things. Children, on the other hand, are not concerned with adapting to new things outside of their curriculum! Their learning potential is more constrained by academics and the curriculum. As they mature and transition from "pedagogy" to "andragogy," it might change.
2. Personalised education that fosters skill growth
Children begin by studying the ideas that broaden their understanding. Adult learners, on the other hand, already know the majority of the material, so they require tailored instruction to help them improve their skills. Increasing their knowledge is their goal. Children also want to learn first. Therefore, it would be accurate to describe andragogy as a sophisticated learning method.
3. Learning Based on Experience
A novice may successfully execute a task when given the opportunity, or they may not. However, the likelihood that a task will be completed effectively is substantially higher when it is given to an experienced person. Experience sets adults apart from other learners. Similar to this situation, learning that is supported by experience is certain to produce better learning results for students than learning that is not. Young children lack experience, while adult learners have better experiences that increase the value and diversity of their learning.
4. The desire to innovate
People who have learned through experience tend to be more innovative. Because of what they already know, they are curious. However, young learners also exhibit curiosity when it comes to picking up new ideas. It takes time and experience to build an innovative attitude. Only after mastering the fundamentals of education and progressing to andragogy, in the long run, does one achieve a level of innovation and curiosity.
5. Long-Term Success as a Goal
People hardly ever have time to learn anything as adults. If they do, it will be for their overall growth and to get to the point where they can improve their lives. Time is really important! They devote their time to education that will enable them to obtain a higher position at work and to develop a skill that will aid in their financial stability. On the other hand, children study and acquire knowledge to enrol in a better school or college. If they don't pursue graduation, they don't have a long-term plan. They only desire to learn to receive high grades. After several years, the thinking progressively shifts. In essence, andragogy fosters learners' desire to learn on their own, unlike pedagogy, which depends on teachers. This is why andragogy is a superior method of teaching among adult learners (Source: MasterSoft, IITMS).
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The Advantages of Andragogy
When businesses understand how people prefer to learn, training and educational programs may be personalised to take advantage of the adult learner's strengths. It efficiently transfers both their current knowledge and the knowledge they still need to acquire. Corporate training programs can include real-world applications that boost an adult's competence and confidence because of adult learning theory. Adults are inspired to demonstrate their skills and contributions when they are put in a fresh learning setting. When adult learners have prior real-world experiences and examples to draw from, it is easy to guide them through a step-by-step workflow procedure (Source: People Learning and Development, Alexandra Kerr, Chelsea McMullen, and Natasha Mehay).
An organisation that excels at delivering adult learning helps its team members with their personal development over time because learning for adults may be transformative. Adults can learn at their own rate, in contrast to youngsters. They are usually eager to succeed and use their information, so it does not take much to motivate them. In general, applying adult learning theory supports lifelong learning by enabling people to participate in both formal and informal learning environments to advance their development.
The Disadvantages of Adult Learning Theory
Applying adult learning principles can be difficult. Adults must possess a strong sense of motivation and ambition. If not, resistance might happen, which would harm the workplace's general culture. A lack of knowledge of the various adult learning theories would make it difficult for mentors or coaches to establish and choose an evaluation system. They won't know what methods and equipment to use to gauge the expected abilities and results, which will keep students engaged. Because adults typically have few external motivators and are driven mostly by their own needs and values, it can be difficult to motivate them.
Adult learners, for instance, might choose not to engage in a particular learning activity if they have had prior unpleasant experiences that they worry will happen again. It's also important to keep in mind that adults have other social and private obligations that they must prioritise. In other words, even if someone is interested in joining a training programme, they can find it difficult to manage their employment and other obligations.
Which Institution employs Adult Learning Theory?
If you are searching for an institution that has experience using adult learning theories and strategies, then SNATIKA is the right place for you. We offer highly prestigious and advanced higher education qualifications exclusively to senior professionals. However, currently, the programmes are limited only to senior professionals who have managerial experience in their domain. If you have industry experience as a manager, then SNATIKA can offer you a prestigious European Masters degree and a PG diploma completely online at a reasonable price. You can also complete both of these qualifications within 12 months! Visit SNATIKA now!
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Conclusion
The study of and support for adult learners' lifelong education is known as andragogy. It claims that adult learners are independent and conscious of their decision-making and learning processes. After World War II, American educator Malcolm Knowles popularised andragogy, which was first developed by German educator Alexander Kapp. Adults learn through active application, practice, and participation, even if learning by doing is useful for teenagers as well. They enjoy learning in inclusive, cooperative, and networking environments and take an active role in them.
The importance of socialisation outweighs that of the curriculum and set teaching methods. The science of teaching, also referred to as pedagogy, affects how students learn. Andragogy is a theory for people who prefer to learn on their own. The andragogy approach to teaching is the best one for adult learners. In contrast to pedagogy, which depends on teachers, it encourages learners' willingness to learn on their own. Real-world applications in corporate training programmes can increase an adult's competence and confidence. Because learning for an adult can be transformative, an organisation that succeeds at providing adult learning aids its team members in their personal development throughout time. By enabling people to engage in both formal and informal learning environments to further their growth, the application of adult learning theory promotes lifelong learning.
Citations
Kerr, Alexandra, et al. “Section 2.2: Advantages and Disadvantages of Adult Learning Theory – People Learning and Development.” Section 2.2: Advantages and Disadvantages of Adult Learning Theory – People Learning and Development, 4 Nov. 2022, https://kpu.pressbooks.pub/peoplelearningdevelopment/chapter/section-2-2-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-adult-learning-theory.
IITMS, MasterSoft. “Difference Between Pedagogy and Andragogy in Learning.” Difference Between Pedagogy and Andragogy in Learning, 2 July 2021, https://www.iitms.co.in/blog/difference-between-pedagogy-and-andragogy-in-learning.html.