Andragogy

Tiffany S. Robinson

BUSN 333- Adult Learner

February 18, 2007

ANDRAGOGY

Andragogy was initially defined as "the art and science of helping adults learn". The term currently defines an alternative to pedagogy and refers to learner-focused education for people of all ages. A term originally used by Alexander Kapp in 1833 and later developed into a theory by Malcolm Knowles.

Knowles’ theory was composed of several postulates, the first states that adults must be involved in the planning and evaluation of their instruction, next Knowles postulates that experience (including mistakes), provides the basis for learning activities. He then goes on to state that adults have the most interest in learning subjects that have immediate relevance to their jobs or personal life, and finally he states that adult learning is problem centered as opposed to content oriented. Andragogy is a very broad subject and many theorists pose views on the adult learner.

Andragogy is based on four clerical