motivating adult learners: andragogy versus pedagogy

Motivating adult learners: Andragogy versus pedagogy

Adult Learners Week 2015http://www.adultlearnersweek.org/

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Malcolm Knowles (1913 - 1997)1934 Harvard Bachelor of Arts1941 YMCA Director of Education1949 University of Chicago Masters1959 Boston University Associate Professor 1974 North Carolina State University

Andragogy

Self-Directed Learning

Learning Contracts

Humanistic and Holistichttp://web.utk.edu/~start6/knowles/malcolm_knowles.html

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“Such a concept had been evolving in Europe for some time - the concept of a unified theory of adult learning for which the label andragogy had been coined to differentiate it from the theory of youth learning, pedagogy.”p49, Knowles, M. S., et al. (1984). Andragogy in action: Applying modern principles of adult education. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

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Critiques of Andragogy as a unified theoryMore philosophy than theory (Hartfied 1984)

Promotes a generic adult learner as universal (Sandlin 2005)

My perspectiveAccessible - most memorable/usable takeaways

Relevant - fits well with my experiences and other models

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RSA Animate - Sir Ken RobinsonChanging Education Paradigms

bit.ly/1OdKWso

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Pedagogy

“…evolved as an ideology based on teaching and learning between the seventh and twelfth centuries in the Monastic and Cathedral schools of Europe out of their experience in teaching basic skill to young boys.”p52, Knowles, M. S., et al. (1984). Andragogy in action: Applying modern principles of adult education. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

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AndragogyFrom the greek - andr “man not boy”agogus “leader of”

Plato? - 400BCAlexander Kapp - 1833Johan Friedrich HerbartEugen Rosenstock - 1921Heinrich Hanselmann - 1951Franz Poggeler - 19571950-60’s Ogrizovic, Samolovcev, Filipovic, Savicevic…

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1968Andragogy, not pedagogy.

1980The modern practice of adult education: From pedagogy to andragogy.

The Andragogical model 5 assumptions in relation to adult learning• Need to Know• Learner’s Self Concept• Role of Experience• Readiness to Learn• Motivation to Learn

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http://web.utk.edu/~start6/knowles/

Current_Think_of_Ped_Andr.htmPedagogical Andragogical

Need to KnowLearners only need to know they must learn

what the teacher teaches if they want to pass & get promoted; they do not need to know

how what they learn will apply to their lives.

Adults need to know why they need to know something before undertaking it / investing

their time in undertaking the task.

Adult course marketing

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Learner’s Self ConceptTeacher’s concept of learner is that of a

dependent personality; Learner’s self-concept becomes that of a dependent personality.

Adults being responsible for their own lives. Need to be seen and treated by others as

being capable of self-direction.

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Role of ExperienceLearner’s experience is of little worth as

resource for learning. Teacher’s experience is what counts, as well as textbook, writer’s

experience, etc. So, transmittal techniques are the backbone of pedagogical method.

A wider range of individual differences in terms of background, learning style,

motivation, needs, interests, and goals. This is why emphasis in adult education is placed on

individualization of learning and teaching strategies.

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Readiness to LearnLearners have a subject-centered orientation to learning. They see it as acquiring subject

matter content.

Adults become ready to learn those things they need to know, or be able to do, in order

to cope effectively with their real-life situations. Importance of timing learning

experiences to coincide with those developmental tasks.

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penington.trainingvc.com.au

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Readiness to LearnLearners have a subject-centered orientation to learning. They see it as acquiring subject

matter content.

Adults become ready to learn those things they need to know, or be able to do, in order

to cope effectively with their real-life situations. Importance of timing learning

experiences to coincide with those developmental tasks.

Motivation to LearnLearners are motivated by

extrinsic motivators – grades, parent’s approval.

Adults’ motivators are more intrinsic. (Desire for self-esteem, job satisfaction).

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Darcy’s 11 year old daughter

http://eworks.edu.au/blog/2014/07/minecraft-motivation-technology-gap/

The Andragogical model 5 assumptions in relation to adult learning• Need to Know

Communicate not just what but why• Learner’s Self Concept

Informal environment - Choice• Role of Experience

Make room for discussion - lots of discussion• Readiness to Learn

How to apply the information• Motivation to Learn

Find the Minecraft

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