Andragogy
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andragogy
Andragogy, a term originally used by Alexander Kapp (a German educator) in 1833, was developed into a theory of adult education by the American educator, Malcolm Knowles (April 24, 1913 -- November 27, 1997).
Knowles held that andragogy (from the Greek words meaning "adult-leading") should be distinguished from the more commonly used pedagogy (Greek: "child-leading").
Knowles' theory can be stated as four simple postulates:
- Adults need to be involved in the planning and evaluation of their instruction (Self-concept and Motivation to learn).
- Experience (including mistakes) provides the basis for learning activities (Experience).
- Adults are most interested in learning subjects that have immediate relevance to their job or personal life (Readiness to learn).
- Adult learning is problem-centered rather than content-oriented (Orientation to learning).
Knowles' work (most notably the book, Self-Directed Learning: A Guide for Learners and Teachers, published in 1975) has been controversial. To some, his proposed system states the obvious, to others, he has merely proposed an adaptation of existing child-learning theories.
The term has been used by some to allow a discussion of the difference between self directed and 'taught' education. However as the attitudes of society towards young people change the differences in educational methods will tend to diminish. (Self directed education is encouraged in earlier age groups).
Also, see http://agelesslearner.com/intros/andragogy.html
And
http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/JOTS/Summer-Fall-2000/holmes.html (see excerpt below)
"Mohring (1989) took issue with both andragogy and pedagogy. She contended that the terms andragogy (implying the education of adults) and pedagogy (meaning the education of children) are etymologically inaccurate. Although pedagogy is derived from paid, meaning "child," from antiquity it has also stood for education in general-without reference to learners' ages. Andragogy is derived from aner, meaning adult male and not adult of either sex, therefore excluding women. In view of efforts to purge English of sexist words, she proposed the use of a new term, teliagogy. Based on the Greek teleios, meaning "adult," it would include both sexes. "
