Malcolm Knowles Adult Learning Theory

1. Malcolm Knowles Adult Learning Theory Patricia Farley MS RN CNE Walden University EdD Student EDUC 8101

2. Questions to be addressed? • What is andragogy? • What are Malcolm Knowles assumptions of adult learning? • What are some limitations of Knowles adult learning theory?

3. Andragogy • andragogy • Alexander Kapp

4. Father of adult learning Harvard University Director of YMCA Astronomy class The Modern Practice of Adult Education: Andragogy vs. Pedagogy Published over 230 articles & 18 books Malcolm Knowles

5. Pedagogy vs. Andragogy

6. Six Assumptions of Andragogy • Self concept • Learner’s experience • Readiness to learn • Orientation to learning • Motivation to learn • Need to know

7. Self Concept • Adults are actively involved in decisions that affect themselves

8. The Role of the Learner’s Experience • Adults come into educational activities with experience

9. Readiness to Learn • Adults are ready to learn when they need new information to cope effectively with life situations.

10. Orientation to Learning • Adult learning experiences should be structured around life situations.

11. Motivation to Learn • Motivated by internal pressures

12. The Need to Know • Adults must recognize the necessity of learning something prior to starting the process of learning.

13. Strengths of Knowles Theory • A set of core adult learning principles • Can be applied to all adult learning situations

14. Limitations of Knowles Theory • Based on observation and experience • No valid measurement tool • Various order of assumptions • Adult experiences may be negative • These assumptions can relate to children • The impact of culture, race, gender or environment not mentioned

15. Summary • Andragogy remains the best known model of adult learning • All theories have strengths/weaknesses. • No single theory explains how every adult learns.

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