Malcolm Knowles adopted the term andragogy for adult learning theory. Andragogy provides a set of assumptions about how adults learn. Understanding adult learning principles can improve the educational experience for adult learners.
- Adults need to be involved in the planning and evaluation of their instruction.
- Experience (including mistakes) provides the basis for learning activities.
- Adults are most interested in learning subjects that have immediate relevance to their job or personal life.
- Adult learning is problem-centred rather than content-oriented.
LEARNING PRINCIPLE | EXPLANATION | APPLICATION |
Self-directed | Learning at one’s own pace in one’s way | Have learners set goals, involve learners in the planning and provide opportunities to self-evaluate |
Transformational | Learning can change your perspective on the world and vice-versa | Provide experiences to shift the learner’s perspective; new information becomes applied and retained. |
Experiential | Focuses on developing life experience or “hands-on” learning | Participate physically in the learning environment and include reflection afterwards. |
Mentorship | Learning from an outside mentor (established figure) in a field | Connect with mentors and take learning outside the classroom or the usual training environment. Apprenticeship and summer work experience are examples. |
Orientation to (or of) learning | Adults need to reframe their emotions and assumptions around the experience and value of learning. | Adapt lessons to include real-world situations, which helps students retain information. |
Motivation | In contrast to children that must attend school, adults often have internal motivation. | Typically, adults have internalised motivation. Leverage this motivation by connecting to what learners need. |
Readiness to learn | Adults are fully developed and must rely on experience or life changes to build a renewed readiness to learn. | Renew readiness to learn. Adults often need a situational trigger. What skills do learners need to master? |
References
Knowles, M. (1973). The adult learner: A neglected species. ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED084368.
The University of Phoenix. (2022). 7 adult learning theories and principles to enhance your education. https://www.phoenix.edu/blog/adult-learning-theories-principles.html