Malcolm Knowles Adult Learning TheoryPatricia Farley MS RN CNEWalden UniversityEdD StudentEDUC 8101

Questions to be addressed?What is andragogy?What are Malcolm Knowles assumptions of adult learning?What are some limitations of Knowles adult learning theory?

Andragogyandragogy

Alexander Kapp

Malcolm KnowlesFather of adult learningHarvard UniversityDirector of YMCAAstronomy classThe Modern Practice of Adult Education: Andragogy vs. PedagogyPublished over 230 articles & 18 books

Pedagogy vs. Andragogy

Six Assumptions of Andragogy

Self conceptLearners experienceReadiness to learnOrientation to learningMotivation to learnNeed to know

Self ConceptAdults are actively involved in decisions that affect themselves

The Role of the Learners ExperienceAdults come into educational activities with experience

Readiness to Learn

Adults are ready to learn when they need new information to cope effectively with life situations.

Orientation to LearningAdult learning experiences should be structured around life situations.

Motivation to LearnMotivated by internal pressures

The Need to KnowAdults must recognize the necessity of learning something prior to starting the process of learning.

Strengths of Knowles TheoryA set of core adult learning principles Can be applied to all adult learning situations

Limitations of Knowles TheoryBased on observation and experienceNo valid measurement toolVarious order of assumptionsAdult experiences may be negativeThese assumptions can relate to childrenThe impact of culture, race, gender or environment not mentioned

SummaryAndragogy remains the best known model of adult learning

All theories have strengths/weaknesses.

No single theory explains how every adult learns.

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AN-DRUH-GOH-JEE*(AN-DRUH-GOH-JEE)

Define andragogy :The art and science of helping adults learn

The word andragogy first appeared in the writings of a German teacher, Alexander Kapp in 1833 , who contrasted pedagogy and adragogy ( unsure if he invented)

* Malcolm Knowles is referred to as the father of adult learningMalcolm knowles was born in 1913 and raised in Montana. He earned a scholarship to Harvard where he studied philosophy. He was married and had two children.His theory of adult learning occurred in 1946 at a YMCA in Boston. Malcolm knowles was the director of the YMCA at the time. He organized a course on astronomy with a local college professor teaching the course using the lecture method of instruction. Students became bored with lecture experience ,attendance dropped and class was canceled. Knowles then rescheduled the class with a member of the astronomers club teaching the group of students. This instructor took the students up on the roof of the YMCA with a telescope in his hand to conduct the discussion. This experiential method of teaching was popular with the students and students stayed enrolled in class. This astronomy class started Knowles lifelong journey toward understanding adult learning.Based on his own observations, he developed his concept of andragogy . The release of his first book { The MODERN PRACTUICE OF ADULT EDUCATION: ANDRAGOGY VS PEDAGOGY. in 1970 introduced the term andragogy.His accomplishments include:Over 230 articles published& 18 booksHe died in 1997 at the age of 84 in Arkansas.*Knowles was convinced that adults learn differently than children (pedagogy) Andragogy So a little background on the difference between pedagogy and andragogy

1. In Pedagogy learners. Are Dependent .Teacher directs what, when, how a subject is learned. Where in andragogy the learner Moves towards independence . Learner is Self-directing. Teacher encourages and nurtures this independence.. 2. the Didactic teaching method is common in pedagogy where discussion is a common teaching methods in andragogy.

3.. In pedagogy the curriculum is standardized, as the student learns what society expects them to. In andragogy, students learn what they need to know, so that learning programs are organized around life application.

*He viewed his assumptions as a system of concepts rather than a theory

Started out with 1st 4, then added two more ( 1984-1990)*Learning environment should be collaborative and welcoming .Learners should be actively involved in discussions.*Educators need to provide adults with opportunities that foster sharing of experiences among learners. This can be done through group projects, interactive discussions, Case studies, and reflective activities.. *For example, a loss of a job would prompt the need for new knowledge.

* Knowles believed that learning experiences should be structured around life situations vs subject matter

Children are subject centered (math, S.S) but adults are life centered in their orientation to learning

The educator should use Use real life examples or situations during lecture and Allow student input regarding a lesson or assignment*Knowles believed that adults are best Motivated by internal pressures ( like the desire for increased job satisfaction, self esteem or quality of life) more so than the external factors ( better job, higher salary) are not as important

As educators, if learners are recognized and appreciated for their contributions in class , then they will be motivated to succeed toward their educational goal. classroom activities to build self esteem or sense of accomplishment would also motivate learning*The last assumption according to malcolm knowles is that Adults need to know the necessity of learning something prior to starting the process of learning.

Examples of Questions that students may ask:areHow can I use the information in the future? what do I expect to learn from this activity?How will this material help me meet my goal?According to the research these are the strengths to knolwles theory :the theory ia a set of core adult learning principles That can be applied to all adult learning situations

*Based on observation and experience, not researchNo valid measurement tool usedVarious order of assumptions THRU OUT LITERATURE, ? AS TO whether any of the 6 assumptions are more important or should be listed firstAdult experiences may be negative, SO they MAY BE SEEN AS A BARRIER TO LEARNING. AND CHILDREN HAS EXPERIENCES TOO Some argue that :These six assumptions can relate to childrens learning as wellThe impact of culture, race, gender or environment not mentioned IN THIS THEORY, very GENERIC/ not specific

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