Malcolm Knowles developed the theory of andragogy, which focuses on adult learning principles rather than pedagogy which is based on teaching children. Knowles believed that adults learn best when they have control over their learning. He identified key assumptions about adult learners including that they are self-directed, draw on life experiences, are problem-centered, and want learning to be immediately applicable. Knowles developed principles for adult education based on involving learners in planning, using experiences for learning activities, focusing on relevance, and taking a problem-centered approach rather than content-driven.

1. Malcolm Knowles
Andragogical Theory

2. The Bio
Malcolm Knowles
Author
Malcolm Shepherd Knowles was an American Adult Educator, famous for the
adoption of the theory of andragogy—
initially a term coined by the German teacher Alexander Kapp.
•Born: August 24, 1913, Livingston, Montana
•Died: November 27, 1997, Fayetteville, Arkansas
•Cause of Death: Stroke
•Nationality: American
•Spouse: Elisabet Fornell (m. 1935-1997)

3. Define Andragogy
 Definition: Andragogy is the process of
helping adults learn.
 While pedagogy refers to the teaching of
children, where the teacher is the focal point,
andragogy shifts the focus from the teacher
to the learner. Adults learn best when they
have control over their learning.

4. Knowles Theory

5. Knowles Concept

6. Background Information
 Andragogy is Distinct from Pedagogy
Education of adults has long been perceived as different from education of children in both theory and
practice. In this section general views of the purposes and characteristics will be given. In the next section,
applications of critical theory and reflective thinking in adult education will be explored.
Adult education in North America began to be organized in the 1920's, when educators of adults found
problems with the pedagogical assumption that the purpose of schooling was to transmit knowledge and
skills. They also noted different characteristics for adult learners than for children. Adult learners desired
more than just knowledge, and resisted pedagogical teaching strategies such as drills, rote memorization,
and examinations. The andragogical model focuses more on the educator as a facilitator who makes
resources and procedures available to the adult learner. Mutual planning based on needs assessment,
formulating instructional objectives that respect the needs identified, creating learning experiences with
techniques and materials, and evaluating outcomes to determine the next level of needs are more
characteristic of adult instruction. The voluntary nature of adult learning is a cornerstone assumption of
andragogy (Holmes & Abington-Cooper, 2000).
Knowles (1980) came from a humanistic orientation and believed that self-actualization was the prime
objective of adult learning, and the mission of educators was to assist adult learners to develop and achieve
their full potential as emotional, psychological, and intellectual beings. Knowles made four assumptions
about adults as learners: (1) Adults tend to be more self-directed as a result of their maturity, (2) Adults
possess personal histories which defines their identities and serve as a resource of experiential learning
upon which new learnings can be applied, (3) Motivation in adults is directed to more socially relevant
learning, and (4) Adult learners have interest in immediate application for problem-solving.

7. Mr. Knowles Examples and Principles.
 Example
 Knowles (1984, Appendix D) provides an example of applying andragogy principles to the design of personal computer training:
 1. There is a need to explain why specific things are being taught (e.g., certain commands, functions, operations, etc.)
 2. Instruction should be task-oriented instead of memorization -- learning activities should be in the context of common tasks
to be performed.
 3. Instruction should take into account the wide range of different backgrounds of learners; learning materials and activities
should allow for different levels/types of previous experience with computers.
 4. Since adults are self-directed, instruction should allow learners to discover things for themselves, providing guidance and
help when mistakes are made.
 Principles
 Adults need to be involved in the planning and evaluation of their instruction.
 Experience (including mistakes) provides the basis for learning activities.
 Adults are most interested in learning subjects that have immediate relevance to their job or personal life.
 Adult learning is problem-centered rather than content-oriented.

8. Part of The Journey

9. Knowles 6 Assumptions
 Knowles' assumptions
 The need to know — adult learners need to know why they need to learn
something before undertaking to learn it.
 Learner self-concept —adults need to be responsible for their own decisions and
to be treated as capable of self-direction
 Role of learners' experience —adult learners have a variety of experiences of life
which represent the richest resource for learning. These experiences are however
imbued with bias and presupposition.
 Readiness to learn —adults are ready to learn those things they need to know in
order to cope effectively with life situations.
 Orientation to learning —adults are motivated to learn to the extent that they
perceive that it will help them perform tasks they confront in their life situations.

10. The Adult Learner: