PRINCIPLES OF 1
ADULT
LEARNING:
KNOWLE’S
THEORY
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1. DEFINE THE CONCEPT OF
ANDRAGOGY AND EXPLAIN ITS
SIGNIFICANCE IN ADULT EDUCATION.
2. IDENTIFY THE SIX CORE PRINCIPLES
LEARNING
OF THE ADULT LEARNING THEORY OBJECTIVES:
AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS FOR
LEARNING.
3. EXPLAIN HOW ADULT LEARNER’S
EXPERIENCE CONTRIBUTE TO THE
LEARNING PROCESS AND INFORM
TEACHING METHODS.
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WHO IS MALCOLM
KNOWLES?
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MALCOLM SHEPHERD KNOWLES (AUGUST 24,1913 –
NOVEMBER 27, 1997)
He was an American adult educator, famous for the adoption
of the theory of andragogy—initially a term coined by the
German teacher Alexander Kapp. This theory recognizes that
adults bring prior experiences to the learning process and are
focused on learning that helps them solve problems, achieve
goals, and improve their personal or professional lives.
Malcolm was 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
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CORE PRINCIPLES OF
ADULT LEARNING AND
THEIR IMPLICATIONS IN
LEARNING
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CORE PRINCIPLES;
1. SELF-CONCEPT
2. ADULT LEARNER EXPERIENCE
3. READINESS TO LEARN
4. ORIENTATION TO LEARN
5. MOTIVATION TO LEARN
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1. SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING
- Adults prefer to take charge of their own learning
process, setting goals and choosing how to achieve
them.
IMPLICATION: educators should act as facilitators
rather than directors, offering learners opportunities
to set their own goals and take responsibility for their
learning. Techniques like self-assessment,
independent projects, and flexible learning paths are
essential
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2. ROLE OF EXPERIENCE
- Adults bring a wealth of prior knowledge and experiences,
which serve as valuable resources for learning and contextual
understanding
IMPLICATION: learning activities should incorporate and build
upon learner’s prior knowledge and experiences. Techniques
like case studies, discussions, and experiential learning are
effective in making content relatable and meaningful
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3. READINESS OF LEARN
- Adults are most open to learning when it directly aligns with
their current life roles or responsibilities
IMPLICATION: instruction should align with learner’s immediate
needs or challenges, tailoring content to their roles or goals.
Practical, real-world applications and job-related training can
increase engagement
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4. GOAL-ORIENTED LEARNING
- Adults focus on learning that helps them achieve personal or
professional objectives
IMPLICATION: learning should be structured around clear
objectives that resonate with the learner’s personal or
professional aspirations. Setting measurable outcomes and
linking content to these goals fosters motivation
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5. RELEVANCE OF CONTENT
- Adults are motivated by practical, problem-centered
learning that they can immediately apply in real life
IMPLICATION: materials and activities should be problem-
centered rather than content-centered, focusing adults
encounter in their daily lives or work. This encourages learners
to apply their new knowledge or skills immediately
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6. INTERNAL MOTIVATION
- While external incentives help, adults are primarily driven by
intrinsic factors like self-improvement, personal satisfaction,
and professional growth
IMPLICATION: programs should emphasize intrinsic rewards
like skill mastery, personal growth, and self-fulfillment.
Recognizing achievements and creating a supportive
environment motivation and satisfaction
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Adult learners bring a wealth of prior knowledge, skills, and
life experiences to the learning process, which serve as
valuable resources for understanding and applying new
information. These experiences provide context, making
learning more relevant and meaningful. Teaching methods
like case studies, group discussions, and problem-solving
exercises allow learners to share and reflect on their
experiences, fostering collaboration and deeper
understanding. By integrating these experiences into the
curriculum, educators can create a dynamic and engaging
learning environment that respects and builds upon what
adults already know.
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WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF
SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING
AND ITS IMPACT ON ADULT
MOTIVATION AND
ENGAGEMENT?
Self-directed learning is important because it 15
empowers adults to take ownership of their
education, allowing them to set goals, choose
resources, and evaluate their progress. This
autonomy fosters a sense of control and
relevance, increasing motivation and
engagement. When adults feel their learning
aligns with their needs and aspirations, they
are more likely to stay committed and actively
participate, leading to deeper understanding
and practical application.
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THANK YOU!
