ANDRAGOGY

“Man Leading” The Contradiction Adult Motivation to Learn Up until very recently, the pedagogical model has been applied equally to the teaching of children and adults, and in a sense, is a contradiction in terms. The reason is that as adults mature, they become increasingly independent and responsible for their own actions. They are often motivated to learn by a sincere desire to solve immediate problems in their lives. Additionally, they have an increasing need to be self-directing. In many ways the pedagogical model does not account for such developmental changes on the part of adults, and thus produces tension, resentment, and resistance in individuals (Knowles, 1984).

Andragogy Theory Hypothesis Definition of Adult “Andragogy is a theory developed by Malcolm Knowles which attempts to describe how adults learn. His hypothesis was that adult learning could not follow the principles of traditional pedagogy in which teachers are responsible for making decisions about what will be learned, how it will be learned and when it will be learned. Because adults in general are more self-directed, they should take control of their own learning. The definition of an adult, however, is not strictly related to age. Knowles (1980) himself, defined adulthood as "the point at which individuals perceive themselves to be essentially self-directing".

an abundance of accumulated Adult Learners Are self-directed goal oriented an abundance of accumulated life experiences practical and problem-solvers

Assumptions of Andragogy Learners should know why they are studying something. Learners should be able to relate what is being studied to their personal/professional experiences. Learners should be involved in the planning and evaluation of their instruction.

Assumptions of Andragogy Learners should be motivated and ready to learn. Instruction should be problem-centered rather than content-oriented. Instruction should be task-oriented, and it should take into account the wide range of different backgrounds of learners.

Principles of Andragogy Learner-centered classes will stimulate dialogue and knowledge construction. Teachers should see themselves as facilitators and co-learners. Teachers should gradually try to push learners away from their comfort zone in the direction of a deeper approach to learning.

Principles of Andragogy Learners will benefit from a scaffolding approach to learning where the teacher provides more support in the early stages of the course. Teachers should recognize that learners are individuals with different life experiences and learning preferences. Some adult learners will still prefer the traditional pedagogical approach to teaching and learning.

Ten Practical Tips for Teaching Adult Learners prefer instructors who: 1. Are content experts 6. Consider learner interests 2. Provide relevance 7. Individualize instruction 3. Are well organized 8. Don’t waste time 4. Use active learning 9. Encourage self-directed learning 5. Provide clear learning goal 10. Are supportive/non-threatening Ten Practical Tips for Teaching Adult Learners

Group Activity 1. Get into your learning theory groups.   2.  Watch the Seinfeld SNL Video: http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=cc2_1186718038 3.  Based on the principles of Andragogy Learning Theory, how could Mr. Thompson’s (Jerry Seinfeld) instruction be improved?