Principles of Andragogy
Andragogy is the study of teaching adults and is based on a few assumptions about adult learners: They are motivated intrinsically, self-aware, and need to be able to connect new information to their current life or previous experiences. I use Malcom Knowles’ Six Principles to guide my design process and keep my learning materials focused on a collaboration with the learners. Let’s unpack the Six Principles of Andragogy:
Self concept - The learner needs to make a connection to why they need to know what you have to say. Example: For a course for managers, tell them that the end of this course they will be able to execute three time saving strategies at work.
Adult learner experience - Build on prior knowledge and allow learners to choose some experiences. Example: Before a course begins, poll the participants about why they are enrolled, what they want to learn, what are their challenges. Incorporate and address these into the beginning and throughout your course.
Readiness - How will learners use this in the real world? Emphasize how learners will use this information at their job and in life. Give concrete examples. Example: Telling the participants in a time management course that they will learn and be able to use the schedule send feature of email to save time.
Orientation - How does it apply to the participants? Adults will carve out time if they’re sure that they will be able to directly apply what they are learning. Example: A course for administrative aids provides ready to use templates and simple steps to managing the many passwords that they are required to keep track of.
Motivation - Learning for adults tends to become internally motivated. Participants are looking for a change or ways to improve some area of their work or life. Examples of motivation for learning more could be climbing a career ladder, solving a problem, or improve their quality of life.
Active learning - To be effective, learning must extend beyond a passive lecture. Learners must participate in activities, group discussions, role plays, debates, and examen case studies. Example: Try a 70-30 or 80-20 balance in the instruction. Meaning to plan for learners to spend 70% of their time participating in active learning strategies and 30% passive reading or listening to information.
