Malcolm Knowles Andragogy Essay

Author and educator Dr. Jane Vella (1994) suggests twelve basic, deeply interconnected principals of adult learning that can be applied to all college students and other adult learners (Merriam, 1997). Vella (1994) suggested twelve basic, deeply interconnected principals of adult learning that can be applied across all cultures. The principles are based upon one basic assumption—adult learning is best achieved in dialogue. Adults have enough life experience to be in dialogue with any teacher, about any subject, and will learn new knowledge, attitudes, or skills best in relation to their life experiences. In a dialogue approach to adult learning, the teacher learns and the learner teaches. Therefore, the twelve principles are ways to begin,

The adult learning theory Also known as andragogy is the concept of Adult learning as a science in the field of education. Created by Malcolm Knowles , the theory is comprised of four different concepts. A fifth concept was later added by Knowles. within these different concepts, Knowles set forth compilation of expectations for educators within the Adult Education community. Firstly, he suggests setting a corporative climate in the classroom for learning. (Knowles, 1984, p.76) An assessment of the learners needs and a compilation of objectives and educational activities to help learner reach needs

Looking at learning theories through two different views was interesting. In the article, Revisiting Adult Learning Theory through the Lens of an Adult Learner, it was the basic guidelines and idea of adult learning theories. In the article, Revisiting Adult Learning Theory through the Lens of an Adult Learner, the article was written from the view of an adult student and covered what some of the first article had addressed. Author discussed about how some adult learners make their own learning theories. Also, saw some of the pressures that adult students can be faced with and they were addressed in the article. It was about how some adult learners make their own learning theories some of the pressures

Adults differ from children in that they have spent years building up a foundation of life experience that serves as a starting point for any new learning whether formal or informal. Malcolm Knowles recognized this foundation when outlining his theory of Andragogy. He also highlighted that adults not only approach learning opportunities with prior experience, but also find motivation for learning within themselves, are able to learn independently and have the ability to integrate learning into their previously established experiences and find immediate application for their new learnings (Abela, 2009).

Adult Learning Theory: A learning theory developed by Malcolm Knowles which considers concepts of adult learning based on the needs and experiences of the learner (Knowles, 1990).

The theory of adult learning is the assumptions about how adults learn. Emphasizes the value of the process of learning in adults ("Adult Learning Theory," 2007). Malcom Knowles and American practitioner and theorist of adult education defined is as an art and science of helping adults learn ("Adult Learning Theory," 2007). Knowles also defined six adult learning principles as adults are internally motivated and self-directed, adults bring life experiences and knowledge to learning experiences and are goal orientated. They also relevancy oriented and are practical learners who like to be respected when in the classroom ("Adult Learning Theory," 2007). As educators, we need to foster the adult learner’s internal motivation to learn. Develop a rapport with the adult learner, encourage them to ask questions and explore concepts. Some adult learners come with years of experience and knowledge, with this as an instructor or teacher we need to harvest this information and have them apply it to their

Knowles posits that adult learners are self directed and autonomous. They are goal oriented, practical and must see and understand the relevance of any training. Adults bring an abundance of experience and knowledge, experiential learning, with them. Most importantly, “…adults need to be shown respect.” (Lieb)

This article discussed many aspects of adult learners and provided strategies for instructors to improve learning in adult learners. They stated repeatedly that learning experiences are a major factor in adult education. It can help intrinsically motivate adult learners to retain more information in order to improve their knowledge. In the article they also discussed how it is important to allow adult learners to take ownership of their learning while allowing the instructor to facilitate activities that are more hands on. Adult learners tend to learn better when they are actively involved in the learning process and are able to make meaningful connections between the new material and their old experiences.

Mark Knowles who is main contributor to adult learning theory clearly states various assumptions associated adult’s learning such as adults need to know why they are learning, need to be self-directed, learning from experiences, problem centered approach to learning, and motivation by both extrinsic and intrinsic motivators (Noe, 2013).

ADULT LEARNING THEORY 3 significant mentors in his life—Eduard Lindeman. By reading Lindeman’s Meaning of Adult Education, he obtained a profound understanding of adult education, which later became his source of inspiration and concepts. Major Works In 1943, Knowles was recruited into the Navy, and began to read extensively in the field of adult education, which contributed to his final decision to undertake a master’s program at the University of Chicago (Smith, 2002). His adviser at the University of Chicago was Cyril O. Houle, who had been a role model in rigorous learning for Knowles. Carl Rogers, “the founder of 'client-centered' or 'non-directive' therapy” (Smith, 2004, para. 1), and Arthur Shedlin, an associate of Rogers, had also exerted a great influence on Knowles—he began to consider learning as an exciting incident. In 1949, Knowles gained his Master’s degree and published his first book Informal Adult Education, which was also his master thesis (Smith, 2002). In 1951, he became “executive director of the newly formed Adult Education Association. ” and also “attended a couple of summer sessions of the National Training Laboratories in 1952 and 1954” (Smith, 2002, para. 7). The founders of the labs—Kenneth Benne, Leland Bradford, Ronald Lippett and Kurt Lewin—consequently impacted Malcolm and his wife, Hulda, who co-authored books on leadership (1955) and

My impression of adult education has changed immensely. First and foremost, the first lesson learned that teaching adults are a separate, intensive, and long debated process. Portions of certain theories learned illustrated below. I have extended knowledge about Meizrow (Transformational Learning) and Knowles (Andragogy). The six key features of Adult Learners are:

The world of adult learning was changed by Knowles’ (1973) when he identified four assumptions about andragogy, meaning “the art and science of helping adults learn” (Knowles, 1970, p. 42). These assumptions are: self-concept; experience; readiness; and orientation. Knowles later added two more assumptions; the critical need to know, and motivation (Knowles, Holton & Swanson, 2015; Knowles, 1980). Knowles’ second assumption, experience, plays a significant role for individuals to create, retain and transfer knowledge based upon prior knowledge and skill, (Argote, McEvily & Reagans, 2003, p. 575). I will search for evidence on how the elements of Knowles’ theory align with the knowledge retention and engagement.

The current business environment is continuously changing and it is vital that Google provides their workforce with effective training and development to ensure that the corporation retains the market position and stay ahead of competitors. However, to propose a suitable training method within an adult workplace, it is important to understand the variety of training models that can be applied, which sets of hypothesis and theories that form the foundation of adult learning and the key principles (Delahaye 2011). The adult learning process is complicated and extremely subjective, there is no single theory that can explain how adults learn. Therefore it is important for educators to understand the fundamental surrounding the process of adult learning, to ensure that the delivery of their training is effective and can respond to the needs of the adult learners (Delahaye 2011).

This paper is a research on Malcolm Knowles topic “andragogy”. Knowles describes andragogy as the art and science of adult learning. Andragogy focuses on special needs od adults learners, he classifies these need into six different categories: (1) need to know, (2) self- concept, (3) prior experience, (4) readiness to learn, (5) learning orientation, and (6) motivation to learn.

I believe that the purpose of adult education programs is to foster the growth of the non-traditional student population. Students who have either been displaced or chosen to return to college for a variety of reasons. It is critical that we, as instructors and administrators, realize that each of these students may learn in a different manner. We must take into account known strategies such as Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences as we design and deliver courses within our chosen fields. I for one am primarily a very kinesthetic learner, and learn