L) Andragogy

ANDRAGOGY

“Learning is most often considered a process of giving. This is most evident in conceptions of student/teacher roles: Teachers give and students get. Yet, in adult learning both giving and getting are critical” Try this first! - David A. Kolb

Congratulations! You completed week 8 and did an excellent job!

Before we begin this week's lesson, recall the times you work with your classmates to complete a group assignment. How did your group complete the task? What motivates you to complete the tasks?

SYNOPSIS

The concept of andragogy was developed by Malcolm Shepherd Knowles, an American educator. Even though the term "andragogy" was first coined by Alexander Knapp as he categorized Plato's theory of education, Knowles is credited for the popularity of the term. According to him, andragogy is the art and science of adult learning. Hence it refers to any form of adult learning. Before, it only had four principles. However, this theory has expanded, and additional pedagogical principles were added. Today, there are seven adult learning principles: self-direction, transformation, experience, mentorship, mental orientation, motivation, and readiness to learn. Furthermore, this theory implies that Adult learning theories can positively influence their learning experiences both in the classroom and on the job.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

After this lesson, the learners are expected to:

Have an understanding about Andragogy; Learn the assumptions about Andragogy framework, and characteristics; Particularize the Principles of Adult Learning; Understand the roles of Andragogy in Human Development; Apply their learning through the given activities.

Andragogy is a theory that Malcolm Knowles proposed. The idea talks about the methods and practices for adult learners. It emphasizes how adults are self-directed and how it is a method of independent learning for adults. It also expounds on the best practices to teach an adult learner.

Knowles suggested (1984) the following four principles about the framework of andragogy:

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2.

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4. Adults must be involved in the decision-making process of the learning and evaluation process. Adult learning is problem-centered rather than it being content-oriented. Adults must know why they’re studying to learn something. Adults must learn from their experiences, whether good or bad.

Knowles also created five assumptions about the characteristics of andragogy:

1.Self-Concept As the individual matures the self concept of the individual moves from having a dependent personality to becoming a self-directed human being. 2. Adult Learning Experience As the individual matures the person collects a growing storage of experiences that becomes a growing source of knowledge.

3. Readiness to Learn As the individual matures the preparation of that person to learn becomes aligned with the increase of developmental roles of the individuals social roles. 4. Orientation to Learning As the individual matures their perspective changes from delayed application of knowledge to immediate application, as a result the individual's direction towards knowledge changes from subject-centered to problemcenteredness.

5. Motivation to Learn The individual's motivation to learn becomes internal.

In the Adult Learning Theory, it is assumed that adults have particular learning requirements. This theory implies that an environment that fosters collaboration and uses a problem-based approach is the most effective one. However, it is also important to remember that not all students are in the adult learner stage. In light of this, it is suggested that students be made aware of the characteristics of adult learners and aim to attain some of these traits.

Although andragogy is an art and science of teaching adult learners, it is also advised that children and teenagers be taught utilizing this strategy. Knowles's idea of andragogy provides direction to educators in creating methods for better learning in the classroom. His theory promotes ideas that are simple to implement. Moreover, with the use of his theory, students will be encouraged to participate in class. With the application of this theory, the class will be informed about various evaluative options, and involvement in instruction increases students' commitment to the subject.

Malcolm Knowles's six key traits of adult learners are as follows:

Adult education is independent and self-directed.

Adult learners actively participate in the learning process and make decisions that apply to their learning goals. That being said, adult learners set their learning objectives under the direction of their mentors or teachers. The Educators, on the other hand, must assist students in developing goals by giving them the freedom to take accountability for their own decisions. They must be proactive in making judgments and contributing to the process.

Adult learning utilizes knowledge & life experiences

This approach encourages the learners to relate their present knowledge to their prior experiences. Teachers must know how to assist the learners in bringing up appropriate knowledge and experiences. Moreover, educators need to connect students' cumulative experiences to the lessons being taught.

Adult learning is goal-oriented

When the lesson brings relevance to real-life situations, particularly concerning their specific concerns, adult learning is said to be goal-oriented, and the intended learning objectives should be made attainable and applicable. The learning potential of a student can be fully realized through the use of this strategy.

Adult learning is relevancy-oriented

As mentioned above, adults learn best when they can relate the tasks given to the learning objectives they have set for themselves. Through their participation in projects or activities, they also contribute to achieving their learning objectives.

Adult learning highlights practicality

Placement is a means of helping students to apply the theoretical concepts learned inside the classroom to real-life situations. It is very significant for educators to identify appropriate ways and convert theoretical learning into practical activities.

Adult learning encourages collaboration

Adult learners grow by having collaborative relationships with their mentors and teachers. They work more effectively when their teachers consider them and treat them as collaborators. And when their efforts are recognized, they become more willing to produce their finest work.

If adults are encouraged to elaborate on a topic based on their own experiences, andragogy function in teaching adult learners will enable them to adapt to new knowledge. Younger students may require more guidance during their learning process than adults. The importance of andragogy is that it is a tool for tracking a person's development based on their actions, perspectives, and social roleseeking strategies.

Organize your thoughts

Let yourself explore

Write your thoughts about andragogy. How is this important?

Using these words and phrases write your own short story.

sQUIZ your Mind

___1. AC talked to Angel about their task that has been given to them by their professor. Ac was asking Angel if she wanted to collaborate with him to produce efficient and quality output. What trait of andragogy did AC execute? A. Adult learning encourages collaboration B. Adult learning is goal-oriented C. Adult being open to possibilities D. None of the above

___Teacher Rhonfhel was teaching Mathematics to his students, he then asked a word problem that is relevant to the experience of the students. What trait of andragogy did teacher Rhonfhel do? A. Adult learning is goal-oriented B. Adult learning is relevant to the real world C. Adult learning highlights practicality D. All of the above

___3. Ysabel always comes to class prepared to learn but as time passes by she is only not prepared with class, she is also prepared for her social role in society. What characteristics of andragogy does Ysabel possess? A. Readiness to develop B. Readiness to learn C. Readiness to level up D. Readiness to advance

___4. Francesca was once a learner who is in the perspective of having a delayed developing application but as time passed by her direction changed into an immediate application perspective. What assumption did Francesca execute? A. Being open-minded B. Orientation to learning C. Puberty D. All of the above

___5. A theory that discusses about methods and practices for adults A. Pedagogy B. Andragogy C. Analogy D. Criminology

___6. Which of the following is NOT one of the six traits of andragogy? A. Adult learning is goal-oriented B. Adult learning is relevancy-oriented C. Adult learning is open to every adult D. Adult learning utilizes knowledge and life experiences

___7. Because of the hard work Ven placed in her studies she felt happy which gave her motivation to excel more in her studies. What assumption of andragogy is this? A. Motivation to learn B. Motivation to succeed C. Motivation to survive D. All of the above

___8. Rylle always sets her objectives that she wants to achieve every end of the school year. What trait of andragogy did Rylle execute? A. Adult education is independent and self-directed B. Adult education is open to everyone C. Adult education has results D. All of the above

___9. Teachers Venti, Zhongli and Raiden incorporate their lessons with relevant and practical activities. What trait of andragogy is being used by the 3 teachers? A. Adult learning highlights practicality B. Adult learning relevancy C. Adult learning should be relatable D. None of the above

___10. Which of the following is NOT one of the 5 assumptions of andragogy? A. Self-concept B. Open to new information C. Readiness to learn D. None of the above

REFERENCES

Christopher P. (2013) The Adult Learning Theory - Andragogy - of Malcom Knowles https://elearningindustry.com/the-adult-learning-theory-andragogy-of-malcolm-knowles

Cornerstone University (2017) A simple, easy to understand guide to andragogy https://www.cornerstone.edu/blog-post/a-simple-easy-to-understand-guide-to-andragogy/

Kurt, S. (2020, July 11). Andragogy theory - Malcolm Knowles. Educational Technology. Retrieved from https://educationaltechnology.net/andragogy-theory-malcolm-knowles