What is Andragogy

Learning strategies developed for educating adults.

The art and science of helping adult learn.

The method or practice of teaching, based on research or theory, used with adults.

The “art and science of helping adults learn” ( Knowles, 1980 , p. 43).

The pedagogy of teaching adult learners.

Qualities or characteristics of effective education for adults (often contrasted with pedagogy – see below).

Methods and practices associated with teaching adult learners by which the agency and different methods of learning engagement required by each adult are respected.

The method and practice of teaching adults.

The method or practice of teaching, based on research or theory, used with adults.

Originally used by Alexander Kapp (a German educator) in 1833, andragogy was developed into a theory of adult education by Eugen Rosenstock-Huessy and was popularized in the US by American educator Malcolm Knowles. Knowles asserted that andragogy (Greek: “man-leading”). In the tradition of Malcolm Knowles, andragogy is a specific theoretical and practical approach, based on a humanistic conception of self-directed and autonomous learners and teachers as facilitators of learning.

A key component of adult learning theory and describes how adults learn and adult preferences for learning.

A technique for educating adult learners by applying a philosophy where the facilitator or mentor engages the self-directed adult learner by constructing a learning space where adult learning can occur within a safe and comfortable environment.

A term first coined by Alexander Kapp in 1833 in Germany and brought to North America by a Yugoslavian scholar. In the 1970s, the concept of andragogy was popularized by the father of adult education, Malcolm Knowles. The term is simply defined by Knowles as the art and science of helping adults learn. Note here Knowles emphasized strongly the word “help” to indicate that educators can not teach adults directly. Educators must facilitate adult learning. In the 21st century, the concept of andragogy has been applied to online teaching and learning and some other fields of study as well.

Training methods or teaching methods. Often used to define teaching methods that are used with adults.

Andragogy refers to the art and science of helping adults learn. The word “helping” is heavily emphasized to differentiate the theory of andragogy from the theory of youth learning. Some scholars refer andragogy a set of assumptions; others refer it to as a set of guidelines. Still, others refer it to as a philosophy. However, Knowles refers it to as a theory, which has been widely accepted in the field of adult education and training. According to andragogical leaders in North America, the theory of andragogy sparked a revolution in adult education and training simply because previously every learner was taught pedagogically.

Adult education and its principles and practices. Knowles (1962,1975) is credited with coining the term.

The art and science of adult learning.

Training methods or teaching methods. Often used to define teaching methods that are used with adults.

Refers to the principles, methods, and practices associated with adult learning and adult learners; most often applied to non-traditional students in higher education.

Methods and principles used in adult education.

It is defined as the art and science of helping adults learn by the father of adult education, Malcolm Knowles. The term was first coined by a German grammar school teacher, Alexander Kapp, in 1833. In the United States, the concept of andragogy was popularized by Knowles in the 1970s. Andragogy is used to differentiate it from youth education. Nowadays, whenever educators think of andragogy, it is being associated with student-centered learning in which teachers are considered learning facilitators and students are believed to have self-directed learning skills.

It is defined by Knowles as the art and science of helping adults learn.

Theories attached to adult learning generally thought of as applicable in the organizational or workplace setting.

The method or practice of teaching, based on research or theory, used with adults.

The study of the art and science of teaching adults. It is based on the idea that adults bring to the class a vast range of knowledge, experiences, and skills (Knowles, 1980, 1984, 1987).

A problem-focused, learner-centered theory of adult learning developed by Malcolm Knowles.

The art and science of helping adults learn.

The art and science of helping adults learn as defined by Malcolm Knowles.

The art and science of helping adults learn.

Learning principles which are assumed to be appropriate for adult learners. Knowles (1984) assigned andragogical learning principle to the teaching of adult learners because the central theme of andragogy focuses on the adult.

The term Andragogy, first introduced by Malcolm Knowles, the American Educator, is a theory of learning that specifically refers to the strategies used to facilitate adult learners during the learning process. Andragogy proposes six assumptions or principles, which are adults’ self-concept, learning experiences, readiness to learn, motivation, need to know, and problem-centered learning. Andragogy is a theory of learning focusing on assisting adult learners to learn (Knowles, 2005 AU35: The in-text citation "Knowles, 2005" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ).

Originally used by Alexander Kapp (a German educator) in 1833, andragogy was developed into a theory of adult education by Eugen Rosenstock-Huessy and was popularized in the US by American educator Malcolm Knowles. Knowles asserted that andragogy (Greek: “man-leading”). In the tradition of Malcolm Knowles, andragogy is a specific theoretical and practical approach, based on a humanistic conception of self-directed and autonomous learners and teachers as facilitators of learning.

Western praxis of teaching adults to include relevant and practical learning including teaching that adheres to principles that adults tend to be internally motivated, goal oriented and self-directed, they bring life experiences and knowledge to learning experiences ( Knowles, 1970 , 1973 AU26: The in-text citation "Knowles 1973" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. , 1975, 1986, 1998 AU27: The in-text citation "Knowles 1998" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ).

Knowles (1984) specified six assumptions underlying andragogy: self-concept, experience, readiness to learn depending on need, problem-centered focus, internal motivation, and adults need to know why they need to know information.

The practice of education for adults as introduced to the USA by Malcolm Knowles.

A theory designed for adult education.

An adult learning theory that addresses both methods and practices that are learner centered.

Andragogy refers to the art and science of helping adults learn. The word “helping” is heavily emphasized to differentiate the theory of andragogy from the theory of youth learning. Some scholars refer andragogy to a set of assumptions; others refer it to a set of guidelines. Still others refer it to a philosophy. However, Knowles et al. (2005) refers it to a theory, which has been widely accepted in the field of adult education and training. According to andragogical leaders in North America, the theory of andragogy sparked a revolution in adult education and training simply because previously every learner was taught pedagogically.

The method and practice of teaching adults.

This concept was first developed by Knowles in the late 1960s as a science of teaching adults; its key assumptions, based on the characteristics of adult learners, are 1. Self-directedness and independence increases as a person matures. 2. Adult experience constitutes a resource forlearning. 3. Readiness to learn is related to “needs,” which in turn are related to the different developmental tasks, phases and roles of adult life. 4. As a person matures, his/her orientation to learn is more directed towards the immediacy of application and to one of problem centeredness. 5. In the adult, learning motivation is intrinsic.

Theory of education that focuses on the specific needs of adult learners.

Delivering learning instructions on empirical guidelines to maximize learning gains.

A theory involving the methods, practices, and study of instructing adult learners, where it is assumed that adults learn differently than children.

Defined as “The art and science of helping adults learn” ( Knowles, 1970 , p. 43). Also referred to as the science of how adults learn.

The study surrounding the development and understanding of the educational methods, theories and practices directed to teaching adult learners.

Refers to the art and science of helping adults learn. The word “helping” is heavily emphasized to differentiate the theory of andragogy from the theory of youth learning. Some scholars refer andragogy a set of assumptions; others refer it to a set of guidelines. Still others refer it to a philosophy. However, Knowles refers it to a theory, which has been widely accepted in the field of adult education and training. According to andragogical leaders in North America, the theory of andragogy sparked a revolution in adult education and training simply because previously every learner was taught pedagogically.

The art of teaching adults.

the art and science of teaching adults.

The art and science of helping adults learn premised on at least four crucial assumptions about the characteristics of adult learners that are different from the assumptions about child learners on which traditional pedagogy. See Smith, 1996, 1999). Andragogy, the encyclopaedia of informal education (see www.infed.org/lifelonglearning/b-andra.htm ).

The teaching of adult learners. Important in andragogy is the concept of learner-centered instruction.

The study of characteristics of adult learners ( Knowles, 1968 ).

The practice of helping adults learn to distinguish it from pedagogy

Adult education, differentiated from pedagogy (children’s education).

Adult learning theory and practice; adult education. Term used to emphasize contrast to pedagogy, which traditionally focuses on youth learning.

A learning approach that is student-centered and encourages self-regulation.

Term used to refer to adult education. It is characterized by learner-centered methods in which student directed approaches such as inquiry-based learning tend to be used. Interaction between teacher and student takes place frequently as learners and teacher engage in active discussion.

Is “the art or science of helping adults learn” ( Merriam, Caffarella, & Baumgartner, 2007 ).

The six principles of Andragogy, provide a guide for the field of adult learning and include: the self-concept of the learner, the learner’s need to know, prior experience of the learner, motivation of the learner, an adults readiness to learn and the adult student’s orientation to learning ( Knowles et al. 1998 ).

Defined by Knowles (1984) as “the art and science of helping adults learn” (p. 6).

The term is derived from the Greek words “anere,” meaning “man” and “agogus” meaning “to lead,” and refers to a theory of education for adult learners.

A teaching methodology for adult learners.

The method or practice of teaching, based on research or theory, used with adults.

The art and science of helping adults learn. The word “helping” is heavily emphasized to differentiate the theory of andragogy from the theory of youth learning. Some scholars refer andragogy a set of assumptions; others refer it to a set of guidelines. Still others refer it to a philosophy. However, Knowles refers it to a theory, which has been widely accepted in the field of adult education and training. According to andragogical leaders in North America, the theory of andragogy sparked a revolution in adult education and training simply because previously every learner was taught pedagogically.

According to Malcolm Knowles, andragogy is the art and science of helping adults learn, as opposed to pedagogy, the art and science of teaching children.

Teaching adults using a variety of methods and processes.

The art and science of helping adults learn.

The art and science of helping adults’ learning ( Knowles, 1980 ).

Imparting knowledge to non-traditional students.

A scientific discipline studying the theory and processes for learning, teaching, instructing, guiding, leading, and modeling/exemplifying a way of life, which helps adults fulfill their full degree of humaneness.

The label of an instructional method, coined by Knowles, that is designed to meet the learning style and motivations of adult, self-directed learners.

A theory primarily coined by M. S. Knowles defining key assumptions about adult learners, with self-directedness probably being the most prominent. Wang and Bain outline that this theory “has the potential to encourage adults to become self-directed learners, to inspire them to realize actualization, especially when psychological needs are met that foster and support internal well-being and motivation” (2017, p. 251).

A theory involving the methods, practices, and study of instructing adult learners, where it is assumed that adults learn differently than children.

A theory involving the methods, practices, and study of instructing adult learners, where it is assumed that adults learn differently than children.

Andragogy is a learning theory that is inclusive of formative and summative approaches to adult learning. An andragogic approach includes facilitation, collaboration, knowledge and experience exchange, and problem solving, among other attributes ( Hase & Kenyon, 2001 ).

The science of learning and teaching associated with adults who have prior experience upon which to build schema.

The study of adult education. The term andragogy was coined by Malcolm Knowles, a leading researcher in the study of adult learners

Design and instructional philosophy based on the following six assumptions about the adult learner: (1) learner’s need to know; (2) self-concept of the learner; (3) prior experience of the learner; (4) readiness to learn; (5) orientation to learning; and (6) motivation to learn ( Knowles et al., 1998 ).

The method and practice of teaching adult learners; adult education. Knowles' theory of andragogy is an attempt to develop a theory specifically for adult learning ( MacKeracher, 2004 ). Knowles emphasizes that adults are self-directed and expect to take responsibility for decisions. Adult learning programs must accommodate this fundamental aspect. Andragogy makes the following assumptions about the design of learning: (1) Adults need to know why they need to learn something (2) Adults need to learn experientially, (3) Adults approach learning as problem-solving, and (4) Adults learn best when the topic is of immediate value. In practical terms, andragogy means that instruction for adults needs to focus more on the process and less on the content. Strategies such as case studies, role-playing, simulations, and self-evaluation are most useful. Instructors adopt the role of facilitator or resource rather than lecturer or grader ( Knowles, 1984 ).

It is the teaching methodology which is used for adults.

Originally used by Alexander Kapp (a German educator) in 1833, andragogy was developed into a theory of adult education by Eugen Rosenstock-Huessy and was popularized in the US by American educator Malcolm Knowles. Knowles asserted that andragogy ( Greek : “man-leading”). In the tradition of Malcolm Knowles, andragogy is a specific theoretical and practical approach, based on a humanistic conception of self-directed and autonomous learners and teachers as facilitators of learning.

Study of adult learning methodology, adult education.

Andragogy refers to the art and science of helping adults learn. The word “helping” is heavily emphasized to differentiate the theory of andragogy from the theory of youth learning. Some scholars refer andragogy a set of assumptions; others refer it to a set of guidelines. Still others refer it to a philosophy. However, Knowles refers it to a theory, which has been widely accepted in the field of adult education and training. According to andragogical leaders in North America, the theory of andragogy sparked a revolution in adult education and training simply because previously every learner was taught pedagogically.

A scholarly approach to adult learning promoted as a theory of adult education. Andragogy includes five guiding principles: (1) self-concept, (2) adult learner experience, (3) readiness to learn, (4) orientation to learning, and (5) motivation to learn.

Adult learning (as opposed to pedagogy, which formally pertains to learning by children).

The theories and practices in teaching adult learners.

A scientific discipline studying the theory and processes for learning, teaching, instructing, guiding, leading, and modeling/exemplifying a way of life, which helps adults fulfill their full degree of humaneness.

The theory and practice of education adult learners.

The pedagogical approach focused on teaching adults by meeting their unique needs as learners.

“Knowles’ theory of andragogy is an attempt to develop a theory specifically for adult learning. Knowles emphasizes that adults are self-directed and expect to take responsibility for decisions. Adult learning programs must accommodate this fundamental aspect. Andragogy makes the following assumptions about the design of learning: 1) adults need to know why they need to learn something, 2) adults need to learn experientially, 3) adults approach learning as problem-solving, and 4) adults learn best when the topic is of immediate value” (Kearsley, 2003).

A concept of helping adults learn. ( Storey & Wang, 2017 , p. 108)

Coined in the early nineteenth century, it was meant to identify the need for adult education and, later, to give voice to the needs of adult workers to improve their social standing and participate in the building of a society that would reflect their class interests; more recently, it has come to embrace a narrower vision with the goal of catering to adult students seeking employability skills that conform to the needs of late capitalist corporations.

Methods and practices involved in understanding how adults learn.

Knowles (1970, 1075) defines andragogy as “the art and science of teaching adults.” Andragogy also refers to methods and principles used in adult education. The name comes from the Greek language, “andr-”, meaning “man”, and “agogus”, meaning “leader of”. In literal terms it means “leader of man”, whereas “pedagogy” literally means “leading children”.

Learning strategies that are focused on adults.

The art and science of facilitating and helping the learning of adults and the organizations in which they serve.

The field of study that argues that adult learning is both a science and an art. This area of study was full explicated and promotod through the work and research of Malcolm Knowles.

The principles and concepts behind teaching adults.

A theory involving the methods, practices, and study of instructing adult learners, where it is assumed that adults learn differently than children.

The theory of adult learning wherein students are assumed to be more self-motivated, self-directed, and independent; the instructor is seen more as a facilitator than as the primary source of knowledge.

The science of understanding (theory) and supporting (practice) lifelong education of adults.

Derived from the Greek language, andragogy translates to “leader of adults” and is used in reference to learning methodologies suitable for adult learning.

Teaching and learning practices focused on adults and emphasizing self-directed, experiential, problem-solving approaches.

Set of guiding principles and associated practices focused on adult learning.

A well-known concept of adult learning focusing on the characteristics of adult learners—voluntariness and self-directness, problem solving, collaboration or participation, utilizing experience and recourses.

Defined by Malcolm Knowles as the art and science of helping adults learn.

A theory involving the methods, practices, and study of instructing adult learners, where it is assumed that adults learn differently than children.

The method and practice of teaching adult learners.

Theory of adult learning and teaching adult learners.

The method or practice of teaching, based on research or theory, used with adults.

Refers to instruction for adults, or adult learning, which focuses more on the process and less on the content being taught. In andragogical learning, strategies such as case studies, role playing, simulations, and self-evaluation are most useful. Instructors adopt a role of facilitator or resource rather than lecturer or grader. Andragogy makes the following assumptions about the design of learning: 1) adults need to know why they need to learn something; 2) adults need to learn experientially; 3) adults approach learning as problem-solving; and 4) adults learn best when the topic is of immediate value.

A theory of instructional practices pioneered by Malcolm Knowles that posits that adults have specific learning preferences and needs that differ from those of children.

A theory of adult learning that details some of the ways in which adults learn differently than children.

Instructional strategies for teaching adults.

A theory in adult learning that has six principles: Adults are self-directed, bring experience to any learning situation, ready to learn, want a problem-solution focused environment, intrinsically motivated, and want to know the connections to why they are doing something.

The study and science of adult learning.

The art and science of helping adults learn ( Knowles, Holton, & Swanson, 1998 , 2005 , 2015 ). Art in this context references a “style,” and science refers to the “method.” The tenet of andragogy is that adults learn differently to children.

The general instructional methods and practices used by an instructor to teach older students; the belief that adult students learn differently from elementary and adolescent students due to development, experience, and discipline.

The practice of teaching adult learners.

A scientific discipline for the study of the theory, processes, technology, and anything else of value and benefit including learning, teaching, instructing, guiding, leading, and modeling/exemplifying a way of life, which would bring adults to their full degree of humaneness.

The method and practice of teaching adults.

The science and theories behind how adults learn.

The art and science of teaching adult learners. Usually taken for granted however effective teaching requires specific skills and experience. Educators can employ a plethora of teaching strategies to optimize the use of the learning medium selected.

The praxis and methods, informed by theory, of teaching adult learners.

The art and science of teaching adults ( Knowles, et al, 2020 ).

The method and practice of teaching adult learners.

The method or practice of teaching, based on research or theory, used with adults.

Knowles’ proposed that adult learning is best defined as andragogy , the art and science of adults learn.

“The art and science of helping adults learn” (Knowles, 1980, p. 43).

The term was first coined in 1833 in Europe by a German grammar teacher. It was first introduced to North America in the early 1970s by the father of adult education, Malcolm Knowles (1913-1997 AU8: The in-text citation "Malcolm Knowles (1913-1997" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ). Knowles defines the term as the art and science of helping adults. There are six principles attached to andragogy. Instructors of adults are supposed to be learning facilitators, linking students to learning resources. Students are not supposed to assume a submissive role of following their instructors. Learners are allowed to negotiate course contents and assignments with their instructors. Involving learners in the learning process is recommended in adult learning. Instructors are supposed to use informal evaluation to evaluate students’ work. Since Knowles emphasizes the helping role of instructors, teachers are supposed to be a guide on the side instead of a sage on the stage. The principles of andragogy work best with distance education.

A scientific discipline for study of the theory, processes, technology, art and anything else of value and benefit including learning, teaching, instructing, guiding, leading, and modeling/exemplifying a way of life, which would help to bring adults to their full degree of humaneness.

The method and practice of teaching adults.

Learning theory specifically aimed at adult learners.

Education model designed for delivering content to adult learners.

The specific and unique approach and practice of teaching adult learners.

A scholarly approach to adult learning promoted as a theory of adult education. Andragogy includes five guiding principles: (1) self-concept, (2) adult learner experience, (3) readiness to learn, (4) orientation to learning, and (5) motivation to learn.

The art and science of helping adults (humans) learn.

Andragogy is the theory of adult learning. It identifies six learning principles specific to adult learners: Learners need to know; self-concept of the learner; prior experience of the learner; readiness to learn; orientation to learning; and motivation to learn ( Knowles et al., 1998 ).

The understanding of the science and practice of adult learning. Andragogy contrasts with pedagogy, which is the understanding of the science and practice of child learning.

The concept of the process of how adults learn.

Is the art and science of helping adults learn.

A term that refers to instruction for adults, or adult learning (Knowles, 1970 AU10: The in-text citation "Knowles, 1970" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ), which focuses more on the process and less on the content being taught. In andragogical learning, strategies such as case studies, role playing, simulations, and self-evaluation are most useful. Instructors adopt a role of facilitator or resource rather than lecturer or grader. Andragogy makes the following assumptions about the design of learning: 1) adults need to know why they need to learn something; 2) adults need to learn experientially; 3) adults approach learning as problem-solving; and 4) adults learn best when the topic is of immediate value.

The methods and principles of teaching adult learners.