EPD - Teaching & Learning - Theories & Principles - Adult Learning Theory
Adult learning theory, or andragogy, encourages learning that is self-driven.
Adult Learning Theory
Summary
The following video discusses Adult Learning Theory and Malcolm Knowles's six assumptions of adult learners.
In summary, adult learners are motivated by practical application and need the following principles of andragogy to flourish in an educational environment (Toister, 2014):
| Principle | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Need to Know | Adults need to know why they are being asked to learn. |
| Experience | Learning should be build upon existing knowledge. |
| Self-Concept | Adults need to be held responsible for their own growth and learning. |
| Readiness | Motivation increases when there's an immediate need to learn. |
| Problem Orientation | Learning should be problem-oriented, not content-oriented. |
| Intrinsic Motivation | Adults learn best when motivated from within, not from incentives or other external influences. |
Application
Courses must:
- Explain the purpose of activities
- Know their audience
- Hold learners accountable
- Promote problem-solving and critical thinking
- Motivate learners to be engaged with the material
Resources:
- A Simple, Easy to Understand Guide to Andragogy (website, Cornerstone University)
- Instructional Design: Adult Learners (video course, LinkedIn Learning)