1. 2016 Teaching Public Administration Conference Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration Newark, New Jersey May 24-25, 2016
Revisiting Andragogy (Adult Learning Theory) Principles to Improve the Instrumental Roles of Instructors in Online Discussions (OD) David L. Baker Professor, Department of Public Administration California State University, San Bernardino

2. Pedagogy versus Andragogy
Common meaning of pedagogy: Teaching, or the work of a teacher Academic meaning of pedagogy: Discipline that deals with the theory & practice of teaching. Frequently viewed as a content model of instructor-centric education Andragogy: Transactional (process) model of adult learning that advocates student- centric learning
2016 TPA Conference, David L. Baker, Cal State San Bernardino

3. Pedagogy versus Andragogy
Purity of contrast?
Continuum
Pedagogy Andragogy
Andragogy is flexibly tolerant & expects influences from:
Individual & situational differences
Differing goals & purposes for learning
2016 TPA Conference, David L. Baker, Cal State San Bernardino

4. 2016 TPA Conference, David L. Baker, Cal State San Bernardino
Andragogy: Core Adult Learning Principles (Knowles, Holton, & Swanson, 2011, pp )
Learner’s Knowledge Need: Why?
2) Learner’s Self-concept: Autonomous & self-directing
3) Learner’s Experience: Resources & mental model
4) Learner’s Readiness: Life related
5) Learner’s Orientation: Problem centered & contextual
6) Learner’s Motivation: Intrinsic & personal payoff
2016 TPA Conference, David L. Baker, Cal State San Bernardino

5. Marco View of Instructors’ Instrumental Roles in OD (Berge, 1995)
Pedagogical
Social
Managerial
Technical
2016 TPA Conference, David L. Baker, Cal State San Bernardino

6. Pedagogy Instrumental OD Role
Andragogy Principles Addressed
OD Strategies
2. Self-concept
3. Experience
5. Orientation
6. Motivation
Planning & Organizing
Determine OD strategic purpose
Forum for student-centered content enrichment
Opportunity to cover concepts with critical thinking
1. Knowledge need
Introducing OD
Course syllabus
Assessment & consequences of non-participation
Using Groups
Simplifies navigational issues
Groups increase student participation
Spotlights the disengaged
Knowledge need
Self-concept
Experience
Setting Boundaries
Promotes convenience while structure prods forward
Comment classification (substantive v. responsive)
Establishes benchmarks
2016 TPA Conference, David L. Baker, Cal State San Bernardino

7. Social Instrumental OD Role
Andragogy Principles Addressed
OD Strategies
1. Knowledge need
2. Self-concept
4. Readiness
5. Orientation
Creating Comfort
-Introductory forum builds community
-User friendly, professional tone
-Empower student connection & socialization
-Facilitate interactions with content
6. Motivation
B. Promoting Cohesiveness
-OD supports interdependency success
-Develops collaboration skills while addressing social loafing & free riding
Readiness
C. Preserving Presence
-Instructor visibility & positive acknowledgements
-Coax aloof into discussion
-Continuous communication about student assessment
D. Guiding Netiquette
-Model politeness, professionalism, & diversity sensitivity
-Address unprofessional OD comments
-Minimize humor & sarcasm
2016 TPA Conference, David L. Baker, Cal State San Bernardino

8. Managerial Instrumental OD Role
Andragogy Principles Addressed
OD Strategies
1. Knowledge need
2. Self-concept
Readiness
6. Motivation
Enforce boundaries
Exceptions problematic
B. Employing “Icebreakers”
Icebreakers address participation reticence
C. Assessing Performance
Assessment rubric use
Quantitative & qualitative standards
D. Handling Dysfunction
Deal with dawdlers & difficult personalities
Support success, catch something right & reinforce it
Vigilant remedial action
2016 TPA Conference, David L. Baker, Cal State San Bernardino

9. Technical Instrumental OD Role
Andragogy Principles Addressed
OD Strategies
1. Knowledge need
2. Self-concept
6. Motivation
Establishing Transparency
Student-centric perspective with novice user competency
Pre-course technical requirements
Ongoing instructor training
Supporting Learning Curve
Patient assistance
Difficulties subsides as experience accumulates
Ungraded OD session to “coach to success”
C. Supporting Technology
Process guidance, technical tutorials, & “Help Desks”
Embed support in OD platform
D. Preparing for Contingencies
Back up plans
Alternative student Internet access
2016 TPA Conference, David L. Baker, Cal State San Bernardino

10. 2016 TPA Conference, David L. Baker, Cal State San Bernardino
Revisiting Andragogy Principles to Improve the Instrumental Roles of Instructors in OD
Concluding Comments
Revisiting andragogy principles informs the instrumental roles of instructors in designing OD strategies that advance student learning
Supplemental items to support your experimentation:
Selected references
OD assessment rubric
2016 TPA Conference, David L. Baker, Cal State San Bernardino