Knowles: The Adult Learner

Knowles: The Adult Learner

Andragogical Theory

Open Ended

Quick review: What is a theory and what do you think makes a "good" theory?

Most learning theories have been focused on the learning of children and animals

• Knowles' theory focuses on adult learners

• Focus is on how to a human resource development program using the best theory on how adults learn

Poll

Do adults learn the same as children?

• YES

• NO

Pedagogy

The art and science of teaching children (Knowles, 1973, pg. 42).

Andragogy

The method of teaching adult learners.

Key viewpoints from Knowles..

• The focus on education should be on what happens to learners.

• Traditional learning is repressive, learning becomes about achieving.

• When teaching adults, assumptions on pedagogy must be violated.

• Andragogy is applied as a youth matures.

Knowles' four main assumptions on andragogical theory

• changes in self concept

• role of experience

• readiness to learn

• orientation to learning

Changes of self concept

As a person matures, they move from total dependency to self directedness.

Adults want to be in charge of their learning, not be treated as children.

Role of experience

When a person matures they have more experiences that allows them to relate to new learning.

-use learning techniques that involve interaction and experience

-Important to acknowlege person's experience

Readiness to learn

A person's readiness to learn is tied to the product of developmental tasks.

Adult is ready to learn as they approach their roles.

Orientation to learning

Adults orientation to learning is inadequacy with current life problems

Adult wants to apply what they learned immediately.