What is Andragogy?

Many of you may be familiar with the term "pedagogy", defined as: "the function or work of a teacher; teaching; [or] the art or science of teaching; education; instructional methods; Origin: 1575–85; < Gk paidagōgía office of a child's tutor" (Dictionary.com, n.d., p.1). This term is often used to refer to educational methods for people of all ages.

However, research has shown that there are significant differences between the ways children learn and the ways adults learn. Exploration of this concept has led to the term "andragogy", defined as: "the methods or techniques used to teach adults" (ibid.).

In my MA program, we are exploring the origins and application of adult learning, andragogy, and self-directed learning (SDL).

A good source for more information on andragogy is the Knowles, Holton, & Swanson chapter from The Adult Learner (ISBN-13: 978-0884151159).

Throughout this blog, I'll explore the meanings, application, and misunderstandings of and about andragogy and self-directed learning.

References

andragogy. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Retrieved September 30, 2007, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/andragogy.

Knowles, M. S., Holton III, E.F., & Swanson, R.A. (1998). A theory of adult learning: Andragogy. In The adult learner: The definitive classic in adult education and human resource development (5th ed., pp. 35-72). Woburn: Butterworth-Heinemann.

pedagogy. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Retrieved September 30, 2007, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pedagogy.