Understanding Pedagogy and Andragogy: How Adults Learn Differently (and How EvolvEd Can Help You Thrive)

While we all learn throughout life, adult learners have distinct learning characteristics compared to those of younger learners. This distinction is captured by two different educational frameworks: pedagogy and andragogy.

Pedagogy refers to the art and science of teaching children, with a focus on transmitting knowledge from teacher to student. Learners under this model are often considered dependent on the teacher, with limited experience and motivation driven by external pressures.

Andragogy, on the other hand, focuses on facilitating self-directed learning in adults. It assumes that adult learners are self-directed, experienced, and have a strong internal motivation to fill gaps in their knowledge or address real-world problems. These learners bring a wealth of life experiences and are ready to learn when it aligns with their personal or professional goals.

Whether you are a learner or an educator, understanding these different approaches is crucial for anyone involved in adult education. These techniques help create effective learning environments and design relevant curriculum that caters to the needs and preferences of adult learners.

Transformational Learning: Reflecting and Growing

Learning often goes beyond simply acquiring new information. Transformational learning encourages us to reframe our experiences through critical assessment, which then leads to cognitive and moral growth. By reflecting on past learning experiences, adult learners can make sense of their journeys and develop a deeper understanding of themselves. This process involves revisiting assumptions, challenging perspectives, and ultimately constructing a new sense of identity based on their evolving knowledge and experiences.

The Timeline Project: Mapping Your Learning Journey

Whether you're a nursing student or a seasoned faculty member, anyone can benefit from exploring their learning journey through the Timeline Project. This activity will encourage you to:

• Map your experiences: Create a personal timeline that traces your educational path through the different stages of life, from K-12 education to higher education, and beyond.
• Analyze your learning: As you build your timeline, reflect on the dominant learning models (pedagogy vs. andragogy) you encountered at each stage and how they shaped your learning experience.
• Connect the dots: Identify how life events and personal goals impacted your educational choices and perspectives. Did you build upon past experiences? Did your goals evolve? Did you make changes to support your learning journey?
• Define your future: Look ahead and set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) for your ongoing learning and development. Consider how you can leverage your understanding of pedagogy and andragogy to achieve these goals.

Ready to take your learning to the next level? Explore EvolvEd’s diverse range of courses designed specifically for adult learners! From professional development programs to enriching personal interest classes, EvolvEd offers a stimulating environment where you can engage with like-minded individuals, broaden your horizons, and achieve your full potential.

Visit our website today and discover how EvolvEd can empower your transformative learning journey!
 

References

Ekoto, C. E. & Gaikwad, P. (2015). The impact of andragogy on learning satisfaction of graduate students. American Journal of Educational Research, 3(11), 1378-1386. doi:10.12691/education-3-11-6

Foote, L. S. (2015). Transformational learner: Reflections of an adult learning story. Adult Learning 26,(2), 84-86. doi:10.1177/1045159515573017

Knowles, M.S., Holton, E.F., & Swanson, R.A. (2015). The adult learner, (8th ed.) Amsterdam: Elsevier.

Puliyel, J. M., Puliyel, J. M., Puliyel, U. (1999). Drawing on adult learning theory to teach personal and
professional values. Medical Teacher, 21(5).