Andragogy and pedagogy: comparing adult and child learning approaches

Adult Education

Lesson

Andragogy vs. Pedagogy

Andragogy and pedagogy differ in several key respects. The first is by definition. Conner (2004) defines pedagogy as "the art and science of educating children" and claims that "pedagogy embodies teacher-focused education." Andragogy, however, is defined as "the art and science of helping adults learn" (Knowles, 2005). Since Knowles' first edition, this term has become a definition for an alternative to pedagogy. Andragogy involves cognitive-based learning, or constructivism, where the learner must become an active rather than a passive participant in the learning process (Wirth & Perkins, 2008). Wirth and Perkins note that lecture-based instruction, which is the basis of teacher-focused pedagogical education, has been proven largely ineffective. According to this definition, the principles of andragogy are more effective than pedagogical instruction and can be used to reach learners in any age group.

Houle's Classification Criteria for Continuing Education

According to Houle (as cited by Conner, 2004), learners can be classified as goal oriented, involving people who use their education to accomplish goals, activity-oriented, which includes those who learn because they enjoy the social contact, and learning-oriented, which embodies those who learn information for its own sake. I fall into more than one category. I am definitely goal oriented, and I have pursued a formal education because education is the only way to advance in our society. On the other hand, I also enjoy learning for its own sake. My learning-oriented activities, however, are not formal. I spend a lot of my own time reading and researching topics that interest me, but I do not normally attend classes to learn about these topics.