Andragogy By Malcolm Knowles

[3] Infed - (2010) David A. Kolb on experiential learning [Online] Available from: http://infed.org/mobi/david-a-kolb-on-experiential-learning/ [12/01/15]

Andragogy was popularized by Malcom Knowles (1980) and states that adult learning has four basic assumptions about adult learning. The first assumption is that there is a physiological need to self-direct. The second in that adults have experiences that should be used when learning. Third, the readiness of adult learning is influenced by a need to solve problems that are related to real-world situations. The final assumption is that adult performance is centered on wanting immediate application of knowledge. Knowles (1984) added a fifth assumption that adult learning is primarily intrinsically motivated (Glickman, Gordon, & Ross-Gordon, 2010).

attitude to learn. Students should also prepare for tests and do the homework to help

S. et al (1984) Andragogy in Action. Applying modern principles of adult education, San Francisco: Jossey Bass. A collection of chapters examining different aspects of Knowles’ formulation

In the essay following I will be concentrating on the subject of Andragogy and how it has always been a cornerstone of adult education. Andragogy in a sense leads you down the path promoting individualism in learning and in turn allows the availability for each adult to find their own specific learning style. As we all know, each individual will not learn the exact same as another. In the following essay we will explore all there is to know of Andragogy.

The adult learning theory Also known as andragogy is the concept of Adult learning as a science in the field of education. Created by Malcolm Knowles , the theory is comprised of four different concepts. A fifth concept was later added by Knowles. within these different concepts, Knowles set forth compilation of expectations for educators within the Adult Education community. Firstly, he suggests setting a corporative climate in the classroom for learning. (Knowles, 1984, p.76) An assessment of the learners needs and a compilation of objectives and educational activities to help learner reach needs

My experience from the case study influenced my own belief system in line with Kolb’s (1978) experiential learning, where a learner is able to reflect on past experience to change practice or theories.

The five suspicions of andragogy are that grown-ups are self-coordinated learners, grown-up learners convey an abundance of experience to the instructive setting, grown-ups enter instructive settings prepared to learn, grown-ups are issue focused in their learning, and grown-ups are best spurred by inward components

Adult learning had no distinction from pedagogy in the United States until Malcolm S. Knowles introduced his controversial theory of andragogy. Knowles was an American educator at North Carolina State University (Knowles, Holten III, & Swanson, 2015). Andragogy is defined as a set of principles of adult learning that in turn enables those designing and conducting adult learning to build more effective learning process. Knowles determined there are 4 assumptions about characteristics of adult learners in 1980 and added a 5th assumption in 1984. His assumptions resulted into the 4 principles of andragogy.

Experiential learning is learning through a hands-on approach (Melrose et al., 2015). When learners learn through a hand on the approach they are directly submerged in the learning activity and can integrate cognitive, emotional and physical functions. In this in-service learns will have an

Although this limitation can become a barrier for the experiential learning theory Rogers’ developed, it is possible for this to overcome this with patience. As the main purpose of this theory is to allow personal growth within the student, we must note that personal growth appears differently for each individual learner. The role of the facilitator is to help engage all types of students in self-motivated learning to help them improve their overall growth from significant information.

Experiential learning theory provides a holistic model of the learning process and a multilinear model of the learning process and a multilinear model of adult development, both of which are consistent with what we know about how people grow ,learn and develop .The theory is called experiential learning to emphasize the central role that experience plays in the learning process.

provides students with different ways to learn the same material. Additionally, students learn by doing or experiencing their education, rather than through traditional methods of lectures, notes, and memorization. The experiential learning theory involves students centered learning, where students developing skills through “discovering, processing, and applying information and reflecting on what they have done” (Bower, 2013, p. 32). These theories and practices provide students with various ways to learn in the classroom that benefits various learning styles as well as creating interest in what is being learned.

Malcom Knowles studied in the field of adult learning. His main goal was to develop a theory about andragogy, which is a theory specifically for adult learning. Knowles notes that adults are self-directed and are expected to take responsibility for decisions. Adult learning

In adult learning, learner used their experience as a resource for learning. Therefore, the learner is self-directed and independence. By identifying their learning needs, the learner will be able to make a plan to satisfy those needs.