Adult Learning Principles Patricia McNally,EdD

5 Principles of Andragogy

So…what is andragogy? The art and science of helping adults learn. Characteristics of adult learners Guidelines for planning instruction for independent and self-directed learners Andragogy has its roots in humanistic psychology

First assumption Problem centered rather than subject centered Immediate application of knowledge

Second assumption: Adult learning is related to their readiness to learn. Interest and motivation Life developmental stage and related life tasks

Third Assumption Past experiences become reference points for understanding new experiences

Fourth assumption Adults become increasingly independent and self directed as they mature Adults can diagnose, plan, and evaluate their own learning needs

Fifth assumption Adult learners are more often motivated by internal needs then by external pressures. In medical school this would occur during M3 & M4 years