Adult Learning Theory

Adult Learning Theory

Learn how adults and children learn differently and the thinking behind how adults learn.

Andragogy: Adult Learning Theory- Knowels

• Malcom Knowels popularized the concept of adragogy in 1980. He says adult learners are different from children in many ways.

• Andragogy is the “art and science of helping adults learn” and Knowles contrasted it with pedagogy, which is the art and science of helping children learn.

Andragogy

Children Learners vs. Adult Learners

_{Click the right bottom corner of the video for full screen.}

Multiple Select

Adults learn differently from children.

• I totally agree!

• No. Adults and children learn the same way.

• I have no idea!

Andragogy: Adults need...

• to know the why

• internal motivation

• to know how learning will help them

• to use prior knowledge and experience

• to be in charge of their learning

• task-oriented learning that aligns with their current work.

Multiple Choice

When working with adult learners, Knowels says:

• Adults need to know the why behind the learning.

• Adults need internal motivation & using prior knowledge & experience is a key component.

• Adults are self-directed and tasks should align to current work.

• We should keep all of these in mind when working with adult learners.

Techniques to use with adult learners:

• Address their why, their purpose

• Set tangible goals relative to current work

• Review information regularly and check in for guidance and support

• Find experiences to help facilitate learning

Other Adult Learning Theories:

• Transformative Learning

• Self-Directed Learning

• Experiential Learning

• Project Based Learning

Open Ended

My takeaway on adult learning is...

You are DONE!!

Thank you for taking the time to learn about Andragogy, the Adult Learning Theory.

You can head back to our mentor slide deck!