Andragogy Theory

"The Art of Science"

Andragogy theory recognizes adult learners are self-directed and like to take an active role in their learning and can apply what they have learned immediately.

Malcolm Knowles

Malcolm Knowles (1913 – 1997)- Knowles is an American educator who developed the Andragogy theory. Malcolm Knowles acknowledges that adults have learning preferences and motivations. Additionally, adults direct their own learning and seek education to reach specific goals to solve real life issues.

Malcolm Knowles developed 4 assumptions and later added a 5th one. Please see the 5 assumptions below:

Self-Concept- Adult learners move from being dependent to self-directed as they mature.
Adult Learning experience-
Adult learners have experiences that affect how they learn.
Readiness to learn- Adult learners want to learn and develop tasks. Readiness is related to adults’ roles and how it plays into their work and where they live.
Orientation to learning- Adults are interested in solving problems and not just learning.
Motivation to learn- Adult motivation comes from internal rather than external.

Implications of Andragogy in Instructional design

Implications of Andragogy for Instructional Design:

An effective training program must consider the principles of adult learning. When applying Andragogy theory to instructional design, the instructor should consider the following:

Promote Autonomy- Examples on how the instructor can promote autonomy can include self-paced learning modules. This allows adult learners to choose the order in which they engage with the content, while giving the learner ownership over their learning process.
Create Collaborative Opportunities- Instructional designers can create learning experiences that encourage group discussions, peer feedback, and knowledge sharing.
Align Content with Real World Relevance- Instructional designers can align content with real world relevance by incorporating real world case studies, simulations, and practical scenarios for their learners.
Provide Flexibility and Choice- Adult learners have busy schedules. Instructional Designers can lighten the load by providing asynchronous and synchronous learning options while offering learning videos such as written materials and video lectures.

Strengths:

Promotes independence
Can be flexible
Allows the adult learner to be accountable for their learning

Limitations:

Does not consider how to apply the theory for adult learners who have no knowledge or experience on the topic
Does not support learners with disabilities

Formal Learning Experience

My whole undergraduate college experience constituted formal learning. The learning objectives were set by the professors and the department. I, along with other students were taught by an instructor who typically lectured the class, while assigning various assignments that included written papers, exams, and reading material. I was then graded on my understanding of the material and my grades earned were all considered an external reward. Formal learning provided me with overall foundations of various topics however I was not able to directly apply it to real life situations in the workplace.

Informal past learning experience

My most memorable informal learning experience was when I was learning how to train on a new electronic health record system. I had some experience in the utilization of the electronic health record but had never facilitated the training to others. I had the opportunity to meet with the agency’s trainer, Cindy. We discussed how I could tailor the training to meet my department’s needs. Shortly after, I attended her training and took notes. Cindy provided me with useful resources that she uses during her training. I then made my own resources by utilizing the resources Cindy provided me with. After creating my own resources, I sent Cindy the information and asked for her feedback. She provided feedback and I was able to adjust and consult with her throughout this process. When I facilitated my first training on the electronic health record, Cindy observed me and interjected when necessary. She also provided me with feedback afterwards.

This learning experience had several key aspects of adult learning theory. It included how my experience affected the way I learned, my readiness, receiving immediate application for my learning, motivation, and it was self-directed. This made the training successful as I had experience in both the utilization of the electronic record and the facilitation of training within my department. Therefore, I came into the training with some knowledge. When undergoing this training I had been in my role for a year and had requested to train new staff on the utilization of the electronic record therefore I was eager and motivated to learn. Therefore, I was self-directed as I wanted to take control of my learning. Throughout the whole process, Cindy was able to provide me with immediate feedback. This allowed me to course correct quickly and I was able to ask questions along the way. This was a great learning experience for me, and it also helped my agency as they now have access to their own trainer on the electronic health record. I continue to keep in touch with Cindy whenever there have been changes to the electronic health record I am able to consult with her regarding the changes and how it affects our department.

Principle of Andragogy - My views for future designing learning experiences

Experience is one of the six principles of the Andragogy theory. Experience should be the basis for learning activities. Adults learn differently than children because they can apply experiences to what they are learning. As adults mature learning becomes a part of their experience. As a trainer I will assess all learners’ previous experience on the training topic being taught. I will ask questions prior to the training topic to assess learners’ previous knowledge and experience. During training, I will ask questions related to their personal experience, this facilitates engagement during the lesson while increasing learners’ knowledge. Learners can have a higher understanding as they are able to relate their previous experience to the new information being taught. Additionally, I will provide opportunities for learners to gain experience based on what was learned in the classroom. This allows them to learn by doing and to increase their capacity as they can compare their new experience to the new knowledge that has been learned.