Adult Learning Theory Sheriece Fleming California State University Los Angeles Los Angeles EDIT 565 Professor Javeri Spring 2008
Andragogy (andr-’man’) Means “the art and science of helping adults learn”. This concept was developed by M. Knowles and is described as an emerging technology that is based on 5 principles for the adult learner.
Priniciples for Andragogy Self Concept Experience Readiness Orientation Motivation
Self-Concept As a person matures, he or she moves from dependency to self directness.
Experience Adults dram upon their experiences to aid their learning.
Readiness The learning readiness of adults is closely related to the assumption of new social roles.
Orientation As a person learns new knowledge, he or she wants to apply it immediately in problem solving.
Motivation As a person matures, he or she receives their motivation to learn from internal factors.
Assumptions about Andragogy (1) Adults need to know why they need to learn something (2) Adults need to learn experientially, (3) Adults approach learning as problem-solving, and (4) Adults learn best when the topic is of immediate value.
Knowles (1984, Appendix D) provides an example of applying Andragogy principles to the design of personal computer training: 1. There is a need to explain why specific things are being taught (e.g., certain commands, functions, operations, etc.)
Andragogy principles to the design of personal computer training: 2. Instruction should be task- oriented instead of memorization -- learning activities should be in the context of common tasks to be performed.
Andragogy principles to the design of personal computer training: 3. Instruction should take into account the wide range of different backgrounds of learners; learning materials and activities should allow for different levels/types of previous experience with computers.
Andragogy principles to the design of personal computer training: 4. Since adults are self-directed, instruction should allow learners to discover things for themselves, providing guidance and help when mistakes are made.
References: ories/Adult_Learning_Theories ories/Adult_Learning_Theories ories/Adult_Learning_Theories Knowles, M. (1975). Self-Directed Learning. Chicago: Follet. Knowles, M. (1984). The Adult Learner: A Neglected Species (3rd Ed.). Houston, TX: Gulf Publishing. Knowles, M. (1984). Andragogy in Action. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.