The Adult Learning Theory - Andragogy - of Malcolm Knowles

The Adult Learning Theory - Andragogy

Malcolm Shepherd Knowles (1913 – 1997) was an American educator well known for the use of the term Andragogy as synonymous to adult education. According to Malcolm Knowles, andragogy is the art and science of adult learning, thus andragogy refers to any form of adult learning. (Kearsley, 2010).

The term andragogy can be supposedly equivalent to the term pedagogy. Andragogy in Greek means man-leading in comparison to pedagogy, which in Greek means child-leading.  However, it should be noted that the term pedagogy has been used since the Ancient Greek times, while Alexander Kapp, a German educator, first used the term andragogy in 1833.

Knowles’ 5 Assumptions Of Adult Learners

In 1980, Knowles made 4 assumptions about the characteristics of adult learners (andragogy) that are different from the assumptions about child learners (pedagogy). In 1984, Knowles added the 5th assumption.

1. Self-Concept
   As a person matures his/her self concept moves from one of being a dependent personality toward one of being a self-directed human being.
2. Adult Learner Experience
   As a person matures he/she accumulates a growing reservoir of experience that becomes an increasing resource for learning.
3. Readiness to Learn
   As a person matures his/her readiness to learn becomes oriented increasingly to the developmental tasks of his/her social roles.
4. Orientation to Learning
   As a person matures his/her time perspective changes from one of postponed application of knowledge to immediacy of application. As a result his/her orientation toward learning shifts from one of subject- centeredness to one of problem centeredness.
5. Motivation to Learn
   As a person matures the motivation to learn is internal (Knowles 1984:12).

Knowles’ 4 Principles Of Andragogy

In 1984, Knowles suggested 4 principles that are applied to adult learning:

1. Adults need to be involved in the planning and evaluation of their instruction.
2. Experience (including mistakes) provides the basis for the learning activities.
3. Adults are most interested in learning subjects that have immediate relevance and impact to their job or personal life.
4. Adult learning is problem-centered rather than content-oriented. (Kearsley, 2010)

Application of Andragogy in Personal Computer Training

Knowles (1984) provides an example of applying andragogy principles to the design of personal computer training:

1. There is a need to explain the reasons specific things are being taught (e.g., certain commands, functions, operations, etc.)
2. Instruction should be task-oriented instead of promoting memorization -- learning activities should be in the context of common tasks to be performed by the others.
3. Instruction should take into account the wide range of different backgrounds of learners; learning materials and activities should allow for different levels/types of previous experience with computers.
4. Since adults are self-directed, instruction should allow learners to discover things and knowledge for themselves without depending on people. However, learners should be offered guidance and help when mistakes are made.

I highly encourage you to read the 9 Tips To Apply Adult Learning Theory to eLearning. In this article I discuss how Knowles' 5 adult learning theory assumptions can be translated to modern day eLearning experiences, so that you can integrate the 4 principles of Andragogy into your eLearning course for maximum learner engagement and motivation.

You may also find useful:

• 8 Important Characteristics Of Adult Learners
• 17 Tips To Motivate Adult Learners
• The Adult Learning Theory – Andragogy – Infographic

Highly recommended resources on Malcolm Knowles’ Theory of Andragogy

• ThEORY NAME: Andragogy
• Adult Learning Theory and Principles
• Andragogy (PatricK Mendelsohn)
• Smith, M. K. (2002) ‘Malcolm Knowles, informal adult education, self-direction and andragogy’, the encyclopedia of informal education, www.infed.org/thinkers/et-knowl.htm
• Adult Learning Theory (Andragogy)
• Moving from Pedagogy to Andragogy
• Andragogy From Wikipedia

References:

• Knowles, M. S. (1950) Informal Adult Education, New York: Association Press. Guide for educators based on the writer’s experience as a programme organizer in the YMCA.
• Knowles, M. S. (1962) A History of the Adult Education Movement in the USA, New York: Krieger. A revised edition was published in 1977.
• Knowles, M. (1975). Self-Directed Learning. Chicago: Follet.
• Knowles, M. (1984). The Adult Learner: A Neglected Species (3rd Ed.). Houston, TX: Gulf Publishing.
• Knowles, M. (1984). Andragogy in Action. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
• Kearsley, G. (2010). Andragogy (M.Knowles). The theory Into practice database. Retrieved from http://tip.psychology.org

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Editor's Note:

We all know that learning as an adult can be a completely different experience from traditional schooling. Malcolm Knowles' Adult Learning Theory highlights that adults learn best when they connect new information to their life experiences, engage in problem solving, and have control over their learning journey. Unlike young learners, adults thrive in self-directed learning environments where education is practical, relevant, and immediately applicable to personal and professional goals. We believe that this approach acknowledges that learning is most effective when it aligns with an individual’s motivations, interests, and real-world challenges. 

We at eLearning Industry have seen how digital education embraces these principles. They offer flexible, personalized, and skills-based learning experiences. The rise of online courses, mentorship programs, and interactive learning platforms has empowered adults to learn in ways that fit their unique needs. Whether you are a professional looking to upskill, an entrepreneur mastering new strategies, or a lifelong learner pursuing a passion, digital education offers opportunities that traditional systems often lack. The future of learning isn't about rigid structures but effectiveness, accessibility, and engagement. Education designed with adult learners in mind becomes a powerful tool for transformation, growth, and success.