Learning Objectives
- [1]Compare and contrast the principles of major theories of learning and cognition and how they relate to adult learners.
- [3]Provide a rationale for instructional strategies based on specific cognitive and/or learning principles.
Key Takeaways
- Biographies and background information on key contributors to adult learning
- Traditional adult learning theories and their key components and applications
Malcolm Knowles & Adult Learning Theory
Malcolm Knowles (1913-1997)
- Born August 24, 1913 – Died November 27, 1997
- Credential – Ph.D.
- Alma mater – University of Chicago
- Last Occupation – Associate Professor of Adult Education at University of Arkansas
Andragogy is the close cousin of pedagogy. Pedagogy refers to teaching as a whole and andragogy, a term coined by Malcolm Knowles, is the practice of teaching adult learners. Below is the Wikipedia breakdown of the two words.
| Greek Word | Meaning | Theory/Practice |
| agogos | “leader of” | |
| pedo- | “children” | pedagogy |
| andr- | “man” | andragogy |
It makes sense to equate adult learning and teaching with the learning and teaching of children. Adults learn in a few different ways: problem-centered, relevance and impact on their own life, involvement, and using their own experience. The difference is evident. Children, who do not have much of their own experience rely on teacher’s experience to enhance their learning.
Knowles made four assumptions (and added a fifth later) of the characteristics of adult learners which differ from assumptions that can be made about child learners.
- Self-concept – as adults, learning takes place in a more personal way and, with maturity, can be done best in a self-directed way.
- Adult learner experience – plays an enormous role in adult learning. Adults harbor an immense amount of experience that they can connect learning to- for themselves or for their classmates.
- Readiness to learn – adult learners are ready to learn. Readiness to learn is typically associated with a need to learn in order to increase their role and contributions to society, family, work, etc (Pappas, 2017).
- Orientation to learning – As adults, learning becomes less of subject learning and more of problem centered learning. Adults are often faced with difficult tasks or situations that call for an immediate need to learn/discover a solution. Therefore, adults are positioned differently than children who only require the acquisition of knowledge rather than solving problems.
- Motivation to learn (added in 1984) – adult learners have a vested interest in their education. Adults are most likely learning because (s)he wants to learn. According to Knowles’ assumption, adult motivation increases with age and is internal (Pappas, 2017)[1]
Watch the following video regarding Andragogy (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License.)
Find more education infographics on e-Learning Infographics
Experiential Learning Theory or Cycle Learning Theory
David