Principles and Teaching Methods of Andragogy

Dr. Radhika Kapur

Abstract

The main objective of this research paper is to understand the principles and teaching
methods of andragogy. In andragogy, major emphasis is put upon participation of adults in
learning activities. When the adult learners get enrolled in educational institutions to pursue a
course, they have an objective. Their primary objective is to acquire knowledge in terms of
the academic concepts, so they can make use of them in leading to their well-being. In the
acquisition of education, group interaction is one of the aspects that is of utmost significance.
The instructors too encourage the implementation of teaching and learning methods that may
encourage them to work in groups. Furthermore, adult learners are motivated towards
learning, bring in their experiences within the classroom setting and develop effective
communication terms with the instructors and fellow students. Adult learners are self-
directed. They have the independence to make selection of the learning methods and
materials that would be suitable to them in an appropriate manner. The instructors too need to
ensure that they treat adult learners with respect and allow them to express their viewpoints.
The main concepts that have been taken into account in this research paper include, aspects of
andragogy, principles of andragogy, and interactive teaching principles, methods and skills.

Keywords: Adult Learners, Andragogy, Experience, Learning, Teaching Principles

Andragogy is premised on four assumptions regarding the characteristics of adult

learners that are different from the assumptions related to characteristics of child learners. As
the individuals grow, their self-concept undergoes a transformation from that of being a
dependent personality towards one of being a self-directed human being. The individuals
accumulates a growing reservoir of experience that becomes an increasing source of learning.
The inclination on the part of the individuals to learn becomes oriented increasingly to the
developmental tasks of his social roles. There is a transformation in the time perspective of
the individuals from one of the postponed application of knowledge to immediacy of
application and accordingly the orientation of the individuals towards learning is transformed
from the one of subject-centeredness to one of problem-centeredness. Adult learners are more
motivated towards learning and ensure they take out sufficient time to manage all
responsibilities (Knowles, n.d.).

In andragogy, major emphasis is placed upon the participation of adult learners in a

process of self-diagnosis of needs for learning. This process comprises of three phases,
firstly, constructing a model of the competencies or characteristics acquired to achieve a
given model of performance. It is a model building phase that the values and expectations of
the teachers, institution and society are amalgamated with those of the learners. Secondly,
providing diagnostic experiences, in which the learners can assess their present level of
competencies in the light of those portrayed in the model. Thirdly, assistance is provided to
the learners to measure the gaps, between the present competencies and those acquired by the
model. In this way, they are able to experience the feelings of dissatisfaction in terms of the
distance between where they are in the present and where they would like to be in future.
This experiencing of self-induced satisfaction with the current inadequacies, coupled with the
clear sense of direction for self-improvement is regarded as a good definition of motivation to
learn (Knowles, n.d.).

Aspects of Andragogy

In understanding the meaning of andragogy, there are certain aspects, which need to
be taken into consideration (Pedagogy vs. Andragogy, n.d.).

The Learner

The learners are self-directed. They are well-aware of the learning methods that needs
to be put into operation to augment understanding in terms of concepts and other areas. When
they need to achieve the desired academic outcomes and prepare themselves for competitions
and tests, they need to put into practice effectual learning methods and make use of
appropriate learning materials and technologies. As it is acknowledged on a comprehensive
scale that teaching and learning cannot take place without the use of technology. Therefore,
the use of technology is regarded as indispensable. The learners are responsible for their own
learning.

The grades, which they are score in competitions and tests are entirely dependent
upon how they have acquired an understanding of academic concepts. Another important
characteristic of this approach is self-evaluation. Through self-evaluation, the adult learners
are able to identify the limitations and setbacks within the course of their academic
performance. They are able to identify the areas in which they experience difficulties. When
they experience problems within the course of their academic performance, they are well-
aware of how to make provision of solutions to them. Usually, adult learners obtain
assistance from fellow students, instructors, or family members. In this manner, they are able
to provide solutions within the course of achievement of desired academic performance.

Role of the Adult Learner’s Experience

The adult learners usually enhance their learning by sharing their experiences.
Through sharing of experiences within the classroom settings, they are able to enrich the
knowledge of their instructors and fellow students. They are well-aware of certain aspects,
which they need to communicate with fellow students and instructors. In this manner, they
are able to enrich their learning. This is apparent that there will be differences in the learning
of individuals. Differences in the experiences assure diversity in the groups of adult learners.
The major role of the experiences of the learners render a significant contribution in
augmenting learning and understanding of not only themselves, but also their fellow students.
When the adult learners are working on research papers or articles, their experiences would
also help them to give suitable examples, as examples would contribute in the enrichment of
information and make the concepts more clear.

When the adult learners share their experiences, they are able to gain appreciation,
develop confidence and enhance their communication skills. The adults, primarily belonging
to marginalized and economically backward sections of the society are normally
apprehensive and lack the confidence to speak in public. Therefore, when they get enrolled in
educational institutions to pursue academic programs, whether long-term or short-term, they
need to develop confidence and communicate in terms of their experiences and other areas.
Hence, sharing of experiences is important among the individuals in the pursuance of
academic goals.

Readiness to Learn

Changes take place within the lives of the individuals from time to time. When
changes take place, the individuals develop the readiness to learn. Adults are regarded as the
rich resource for one another. Different backgrounds of the adults assure diversity in their
viewpoints and perspectives. Apart from coping with changes, the adult learners develop
readiness to learn, when they need to acquire knowledge to bring about improvements in the
implementation of tasks and activities. For instance, when the farmers and agricultural
labourers need to enhance agricultural productivity, they would get enrolled in training
centres to generate information in terms of usage of modern, scientific and innovative
methods. Through the use of these methods, they would be able to bring about improvements
in agricultural productivity.

Adults normally get enrolled in educational institutions and training centres, when
they need to acquire education that would be helpful to them in enriching their overall quality
of lives. When they possess the viewpoint that to achieve personal and professional goals and
to bring about improvements in their overall quality of lives, they need to augment their
understanding and acquire knowledge in terms of certain areas, they get enrolled in
educational institutions and training centres. Therefore, it can be stated that readiness to learn
is regarded as one of the important factors to acquire education.

Orientation to Learning

In acquiring an understanding of orientation to learning, the learners are required to

perform the task, provide solutions to problems and live their lives in a more satisfying
manner. Learning is regarded as an indispensable aspect that plays an important part in
enabling the individuals to live in a more satisfying lives. In order to implement household
responsibilities in a more satisfying manner, it is vital for learners to possess the basic literacy
skills of reading, writing and numeracy. In addition, to carry out the task of child
development, promote health care and well-being, seek employment employments, and
cultivate entrepreneurship skills, it is essential for the individuals to develop orientation to
learning.

Learning must have relevance to real life tasks and it is organized around life and
work situations rather than the subject matter units. The adults are vested with number of
responsibilities. They need to take care of household responsibilities, manage employment
opportunities and devote time towards learning as well. When they are devoting time and
resources towards learning, they have the major objective of making use of their knowledge
in promoting well-being of their families and communities. When adults get engaged in
learning, they usually put in their wholeheartedness and diligence towards the
implementation of tasks and functions.

Motivation towards Learning

 The development of motivation towards learning is regarded as one of the
indispensable aspects that enables the adults to acquire an efficient understanding of the
concepts. When they are motivated towards learning and achievement of academic
objectives, they generate awareness in terms of appropriate learning methods that would be
beneficial to them. In addition, they are able to form effective terms and relationships with
other individuals as well. As within educational institutions, adults are motivated towards
learning because they have certain goals and objectives to achieve. They aspire to make use
of the knowledge, which they have acquired to promote well-being of their families and
communities.

When the adults develop motivation towards learning, they are able to develop self-
esteem, recognition, better quality of life, self-confidence and self-actualization. Motivation
is also regarded as an important factor, particularly when the adults need to enhance their
career prospects. The educators also render an indispensable contribution in developing
motivation among adults. To develop motivation, they are required to make use of effective
teaching-learning methods and instructional strategies, communicate effectively with the
learners, provide solutions to their problems, make provision of infrastructure, tools,
materials, equipment and amenities and create pleasant environmental conditions.

Principles of Andragogy

Andragogy refers to the principles and methods related to adult education. These are
acknowledged and revered for their versatility and resourcefulness and can be used in part or
full. Andragogy is based on the science of planning, execution and assessment of learning
activities. It is also regarded as an art, as it takes into account the relational climate between
the trainer and the adult trainee, as well as between learners. The supervisor is the facilitator,
who is responsible for supporting the learning of the adults and maintaining a balance
between the requirements of the placement and level of autonomy granted. The six principles
have been stated as follows: (The Six Principles of Andragogy, 2017).

Learning Matches the Expectations of the Learners

The learner knows his needs and wants to be in charge of his learning. The fulfilment
of needs and wants and achievement of personal and professional goals are regarded as
important aspects for which the individuals acquire learning. The learners put emphasis on
the learning features that will be useful for his work. The learners choose to focus their
learning on concrete situations and social roles. When individuals migrate to urban areas
from rural areas to attain employment opportunities to acquire education and they are not
fluent in terms of English language, they may join an English speaking course. Hence, it can
be stated that learning matches the expectations of the learners.

There are certain strategies that need to be taken into consideration. These are,
identifying together from the beginning, the strengths and weaknesses of the learners. After
identification of the strengths and weaknesses, the learners would get engaged in exercises
that would focus on the learning activities. Another strategy is, setting of learning objectives
that take into account what the trainee wants to know and what he feels he is able to do. It is
vital to determine the objectives that have been achieved together with the learners and
modifying the objectives is regarded as an important aspect that takes into account the
experiences of the learners.

Learning is Interactive

The adults are independent and self-directed. They are well-aware of the strategies
and methods that would be effectual in honing their competencies and aptitude. The adults
learn better, when they are vested with the authority to make decisions on their own. Apart
from having independence in terms of various areas, it is necessary to develop interaction
with others. In higher educational institutions, group work is encouraged to a major extent.
When the students need to work on research papers or projects, they are encouraged by their
educators to work in groups. Hence, interaction with others renders a significant contribution
in generation of desired academic outcomes. In the acquisition of education and learning,
interaction usually takes place with instructors, fellow students, family members, and
community members.

In this case, specific strategies include, promoting joint decision making during the
learning process, helping the learners to find various ways to take charge of their learning, the
learners are encouraged to ask questions and instructors provide answers and explanations to
help them in providing solutions to their problems. The learners should be provided with
rights and opportunities to express their viewpoints, particularly in the case of organization of
tasks and activities. The learning activities need to be made use of to allow the learners to
discover the meaning behind the clinical activities in which they participate.

Learning is based on Actual Experiences

 The learning of the adults is based on actual experiences. They need to make use of
their experiences to augment their knowledge and competencies. The experience that adults
gain over the years influences new learnings and turns into an asset. The learners are able to
make use of their experiences and learn better, when they are able to provide solutions to the
problems. The experiences that are encountered by the learners are classified into two
categories, positive experiences and negative experiences. The positive experiences give
pleasure and contentment to the individuals. They make use of these experiences in enriching
their lives. On the other hand, negative experiences are unfavourable and need to be avoided.

The main strategies that need to be implemented are, the learners need to make use of
the skills already learned. Whether they have acquired understanding of the concepts,
recently or years ago, they are required to make use of this information. It is essential to
generate awareness in terms of the opportunities that would enable them to make use of their
skills and abilities. In addition, the learners should be provided with opportunities to share
their experiences. Within the classroom settings, the instructors usually have limited time.
Within that limited time, they are required to complete the concepts. But it is vital for them to
make provision of opportunities to the learners to share their experiences.

Learning Occurs with Reflection

The learners appreciate reflecting on the previous learning experiences to assess and
draw on conclusions and principles. Reflective thinking is a well-known approach, which is
emphasised upon in andragogy. In acquiring an understanding of reflective thinking, it is
essential for the individuals to reflect upon their previous experiences. When the learners
reflect upon their experiences, they are able to enhance their learning. In this case, the main
strategies that are emphasised upon include, recognising and allowing exchanges on the
actual experiences of the learners and acquiring knowledge, as they relate to the learning
experiences. It is vital to ensure that learners have the opportunity and the appropriate tools to
reflect on learning, thoughts and experiences. The learning sessions should be concluded by
reflecting on what the learners would like to learn to enhance their skills and abilities. The
learners need to be guided in an appropriate manner to use a collaborative approach focusing
on self-assessment.

Learning is not an easy task. The individuals are required to experience problems and
challenges within the course of achievement of desired academic outcomes. In order to
overcome problems and challenges, they need to generate information in terms of methods
and strategies that would be assisting and suitable to them in acquiring an efficient
understanding of the academic concepts and achieving academic goals. Furthermore, it is
vital for them to develop effective terms and relationships with the instructors and fellow
students. In particularly higher educational institutions and training centres, learning cannot
take place in seclusion, therefore, it is essential for the learners to develop interaction with
others.

Learning is based on Respect for the Learners

In adult education and in providing education to the adult learners in terms of other
subjects and fields, it is essential for the instructors to treat them with respect and courtesy.
Research has indicated that in some cases, the learners and the instructors belong to the same
age group, whereas in other cases, the learners may also be older than the instructors. The
interaction between instructors and learners takes place on the basis of number of factors.
These include, understanding of academic concepts, acquiring information in terms of job
opportunities, provision of infrastructure, amenities, technologies, tools, equipment and other
facilities, use of teaching-learning materials, classroom environmental conditions, and even
personal problems. Therefore, when the instructors and students will have respect for each
other, they would communicate with each other in terms of various areas and work in
collaboration towards the achievement of academic goals.

The main strategies that need to be taken into account are, acknowledging strengths of
the learners and appreciating them; the instructional strategies should be implemented in such
a manner that would prove to be beneficial to the learners; the learners need to be treated in
such a manner that would enable them to develop interest and enthusiasm towards learning
and the achievement of desired academic outcomes. The learners need to be guided to make
connections with the previous and new knowledge. When the learners are generating
information in terms of modern, scientific and innovative methods and approaches, they need
to make use of their previous knowledge in augmenting their understanding. In educational
institutions and training centres, when the learners are treated with respect and courtesy, they
will be able to render an effective contribution in the achievement of academic goals.

Learning Experience takes place in a trusting Environment

In order to acquire learning, the instructors and learners need to develop mutual
understanding and create a relationship of trust. Research has indicated that when adults are
required to get enrolled in educational institutions and training centres to pursue a short-term
course, they make sure that the institution is well-known. They make use of the internet to
carry out search and have conversations with the personnel employed in the institutions
regarding the programs, timings, fees and so forth. After generating information in terms of
various factors, they make selection of the institution. In educational institutions, it is vital for
the instructors to promote a learning environment, which is pleasant and facilitate effective
understanding of the concepts.

The main strategies that need to be taken into consideration are, encouraging the
learners to be truthful and honest in terms of the experiences, providing explanations in terms
of the differences, providing explanations to the learners in terms of the errors that may take
place within the course of the learning process, providing support and collaboration
throughout the placement, creating an environment in which open discussion is valued and is
considered as the means of learning and making provision of opportunities to the learners to
practice new skills in a safe, supportive and amiable environment. When adults experience
problems and challenges within the course of achievement of desired academic outcomes or
achieve low grades, they usually feel disappointed. Their instructors explain that it is
essential for them to learn from mistakes and initiate measures to bring about improvements.
Hence, implementation of strategies would enable the learners to create a trusting
environment, in which support is obtained to provide solutions to errors and achieve the
desired objectives.

Interactive Teaching Principles, Methods and Skills

There has been immense improvement in the system of adult learning, in not only
India, but in other countries of the world as well. It is vital for the students to adjust
themselves to the curriculum and instructional systems. In adult education, teaching
principles, methods, and skills are built around the needs and requirements of the students (A
Theory of Adult Learning, n.d.). In the impartment of knowledge and understanding, it is
essential to generate awareness in terms of interactive teaching principles, methods and skills.
These have been stated as follows: (Gitterman, 2004).

Creating a Climate for Collaborative Learning – To encourage collaborative learning,

the instructor has to create a climate conducive to providing solutions to problems. Creating
this climate initiates the attention towards the physical learning environment. The physical
learning environment within the classrooms needs to be conducive towards learning. The
major factors that need to be taken into account are, furniture, teaching and learning
materials, technologies, heating and cooling equipment in accordance to the weather
conditions and so forth. Other factors that promotes collaboration among individuals are
effective communication and mutual understanding. When the learners feel, they are
respected by their instructors, they too make provision of valuable ideas and suggestions to
them. Hence, in this manner, they work in collaboration and integration with each other.

Providing Structure to Learning – The instructors are required to provide structure to

learning and ensure that it takes place in a well-organized manner. In some cases, academic
concepts are difficult to learn. When the students experience problems and difficulties, it is
vital for instructors to ensure that they focus on just one concept at a time. One concept may
take several class lectures. After the learners have become well-equipped with the concepts,
then the instructors need to proceed further. At the end of every lecture, the instructors
provide homework assignments and after they have completed the entire lesson plan, they
conduct tests. In order to score good grades, it is vital for students to be regular and put into
practice appropriate learning methods. Therefore, it can be stated that appropriate teaching-
learning methods and instructional strategies plays an important role in providing structure to
learning.

Self-Directed Learning – Adult learners are self-directed. They are well aware of
methods and strategies that needs to be implemented to augment learning and understanding
of not only academic concepts, but other aspects as well. Research has indicated that when
adults are pursuing courses and programs, they attend class lectures, where instructors make
use of various kinds of teaching-learning methods and instructional strategies. After attending
class lectures, they need to put into practice various kinds of learning methods, which would
enable them to prepare reports and projects, carry out assignments and prepare for tests and
competitions. It is their major objective to make sure that they do well and achieve good
grades. Hence, self-directed learning would help them to implement tasks and activities
related to learning in an appropriate manner.

Class Assignments and Tests – Class assignments and tests are regarded as important
methods and approaches that are used to assess the learning abilities of students. After the
instructors have imparted knowledge and information to the learners in terms of concepts and
lesson plans, the instructors and students need to know how much they have learned and
whether they have acquired an efficient understanding. For this purpose, class assignments
and tests are given. When the students perform well and achieve good grades, the instructors
feel their teaching-learning methods have been beneficial. On the other hand, when they
experience setbacks, improvements need to be made in the teaching-learning methods and
instructional strategies.

Coping with Problems and Challenges – The individuals need to cope with problems
and challenges, especially, the ones that arise within the course of achievement of desired
academic goals and enriching the overall system of education. In order to cope with academic
problems, it is essential for the instructors and learners to put into practice appropriate
teaching-learning methods. The instructors need to ensure they implement effective
instructional strategies that would augment the understanding of the learners. On the other
hand, learners need to implement effectual learning methods and get engaged in practice
exercises. Hence, utilization of appropriate instructional strategies is one of the essential
aspects that would enable the individuals to achieve desired academic outcomes.

Building Generalizations and Critical Thinking – It is vital to build generalizations

and critical thinking. These aspects enable the individuals to make wise decisions and provide
effective solutions to the problems. In this case, the instructors are required to make provision
of assistance and support to the learners and guide them sufficiently. They need to provide
explanations in terms of meaning and significance of these aspects and provide exercises that
would facilitate in augmentation of understanding. There are certain factors, which need to be
taken into consideration in this case. These are, recognize and define a broader conceptual
issue, gather and consider relevant information, form a tentative generalization, put it into
operation and evaluate, and decide, whether it is suitable or not.

Making Decisions – Decision making processes are regarded as an integral part of

lives of the individuals. In the acquisition of education, when the instructors and learners are
collaborating with each other, they need to make effective decisions. It is important that
learners should be given the opportunities to express their ideas and perspectives.
Participation of the learners in the decision making processes is regarded as indispensable,
particularly when the decisions are concerning their learning. When making decisions, the
individuals need to conduct an analysis of the alternatives and put into practice the most
suitable ones. Consulting others and taking ideas and suggestions from them would be
advantageous in establishing good terms and relationships between individuals.

Implementing Various Instructional Methods – In the impartment of academic

concepts and lesson plans to the students, the learners need to implement various kinds of
instructional methods. The implementation of instructional methods is dependent upon
number of factors, these include, grade levels of students, academic goals, concepts and
subjects and so forth. Lecture method is regarded as one of the commonly used instructional
method. Apart from lectures, the other methods that have been put into practice are, role
plays, field visits, and so forth. It is vital for instructors to augment their skills and abilities in
terms of various instructional methods and ensure learners are able to acquire an efficient
understanding of the academic concepts.

Transforming Knowledge into Action – The students need to be trained to transform

knowledge into action. What they are learning, it is vital for them to make effective use of the
information to bring about improvements in their livelihoods opportunities. Role play is one
of the indispensable methods that helps in transforming knowledge into action. If they are
structured appropriately, role plays can help students to experience the thoughts and feelings
of others, explore their own feelings and reactions and rehearse new interventions. Through
active participation, the students are able to integrate the affective (feeling), imaginative
(perceiving), conceptual (thinking) and practical (behaving) modes of learning. In introducing
students in the class of role playing, the instructor may begin with the play, involving only
two individuals. After the individuals have acquired an efficient understanding of role plays,
then the participation may be encouraged of larger number of students.

Role Modelling Professional Competence – It is vital for the instructors to make sure
that they enrich the professional skills and abilities of the students. The students need to be
professional in their conduct and particularly in dealing with others. In educational
institutions in some cases, conflicts and disputes do take place among individuals, but it is
vital for them to possess effective listening skills and implement peaceful conflict resolution
methods. The individuals are able to augment professionalism, by implementing effective
communication skills, dealing with others in an effectual manner, carrying out tasks and
activities in a well-organized manner and facing challenges and difficulties calmly.

Conclusion

There is not any particular age of learning. The individuals can get enrolled in
educational institutions and acquire education, irrespective of their age, occupation,
background and categories. Andragogy deals with teaching and learning of adults. The adults
are vested with number of responsibilities. The major responsibilities, which they need to pay
attention to are, management of household and family responsibilities, getting engaged in
employment opportunities and attending educational institutions to pursue an academic
program. In order to carry out their job duties in a well-organized manner, the adults need to
augment their knowledge, competencies and aptitude. For this purpose, they get enrolled in
educational institutions or training centres. Hence, when they are investing time and
resources, their major objective of acquiring education is to make effective use of it to
achieve personal and professional goals and bring about improvements in the overall quality
of lives.

The aspects of andragogy are, the learner, role of the adult learner’s experience,
readiness to learn, orientation to learning, and motivation towards learning. In acquiring an
effective understanding of andragogy, it is essential to understand the principles. These
include, learning matches the expectations of the learners, learning is interactive, learning is
based on actual experiences, learning occurs with reflection, learning is based on respect for
the learners and learning experience takes place in a trusting environment. These are the
principles of andragogy, which puts emphasis upon the learning within the educational
institutions and particularly the classroom environment. Within the classroom setting, it is
necessary for the instructors and learners to form an amiable environment, which is primarily
based on effective communication, respect and trust.

The other important aspects that needs to be emphasised in adult learning are,
interactive teaching principles, methods and skills. These are, creating a climate for
collaborative learning, providing structure to learning, self-directed learning, class
assignments and tests, coping with problems and challenges, building generalizations and
critical thinking, making decisions, implementing various instructional methods,
transforming knowledge into action, and role modelling professional competence. These need
to be implemented by the instructors within the classroom setting to ensure that learning of
the adults takes place in an appropriate manner. On the other hand, it is essential for the adult
learners to generate awareness in terms of these aspects, so they can also render an effective
contribution towards up-grading the overall system of education and achieving personal and
professional goals.
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