Adult Learning Theory
6
Knowles Principles
Memorize all six
1973
Original Theory
The Adult Learner
"Why?"
First Question
Adults need-to-know upfront
two roads, two learners
Pedagogy vs Andragogy
A single road of "education" forks into two — one for children, one for adults. The same instructor can travel both, but the rules of the road differ.
how to read this
- › Both roads start from "education." The fork is who's in the seat.
- › Pedagogy heads up — teacher steers, student follows. External fuel.
- › Andragogy heads down — learner steers, instructor advises. Internal fuel.
- › Treat an adult like a child and they exit the program. Treat a child like an adult and they get lost.
six principles surrounding the adult learner
The Knowles Six
Each principle is a force pulling on the learner. Get all six aligned and the learner moves forward. Miss one and they pull sideways.
Need to Know
Open with the WHY.
Self-Concept
Partners, not students.
Experience
Use group discussion + cases.
Readiness
Tie content to current challenges.
Orientation
Apply to real problems immediately.
Motivation
Frame outcomes as personal growth.
Exam Traps
Andragogy ≠ Pedagogy
Andragogy is for ADULT learning. Pedagogy is for child learning. The exam may test which framework applies to which learner.
Adults are self-directed but still teachable
Over-control fails. Lack of structure also fails. The right answer respects autonomy without abandoning the learner.
Knowles principles do NOT include "fun"
Engagement matters but the principles are more substantive. Treating fun as a Knowles principle is a wrong-answer trap.
Motivation is INTERNAL for adults
External rewards (grades, promotion) are pedagogy. Internal rewards (mastery, life quality) are andragogy.
Adults are not big children
Treating adults like students rather than partners is the fastest way to lose them. Self-direction is the default.
Lead with relevance
Tell adult learners WHY before HOW. The need-to-know principle changes engagement immediately.
Parent forced it. External motivation. Subject-centered. Teacher-directed. Limited life context.
Internal motivation (independence). Problem-centered (need work). Self-directed (researches schools, books own time).
Teen needs structure. Adult needs respect for life context. The lesson plan adapts to the learner.
The reason traces back to relevance, autonomy, or a mismatch with their experience. Three Knowles principles, one root cause.
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