I would describe my experience as an adult learner to be substantially different as opposed to learning as a child. Malcolm Knowles argues that there are 6 principles of Andragogy, which include: an individual\u2019s evolution from dependent personality to self-governed adult, a growing reservoir of experiences that becomes a rich source of knowledge, readiness to learn is based on development tasks required in social context, becoming problem-centered with immediate application, intrinsic drivers of motivation, and adults need to know the reasons for learning something (Unit 6 Notes, 2018).<\/p>\n
Andragogy is vastly different than pedagogy because adults have a large reservoir of experience<\/u> to draw on whereas children rely mostly on what the instructor teaches (Conaway & Zorn-Arnold, 2015). For example, with regards to this Masters program, students draw on their personal experience to apply the theories taught. A professor guides and facilitates understanding by posing questions that can be discussed and investigated by relating the concepts to past experiences, interpreting the information in a rich and meaningful way (Conaway et al. 2015). In contrast, a schoolteacher provides students with a store of knowledge that can be eventually drawn upon in the future.<\/p>\n
Becoming a self-directed<\/u> adult evolves with maturity as individuals are driven to make choices and decisions, and take responsibility for their actions. It is important to encourage children to make wise decisions so that they learn to predict and accept the consequences (positive or negative) of such decisions (Conaway et al. 2015). As children evolve into adults, they not only wish to have the ability to make decision but also want to be recognized for their autonomy and ability to do so (Conaway et al. 2015). In my recent experience while completing my undergrad, I found professors were incredibly frustrating when they did not treat students as adults. It was insulting when they were condescending and did not allow students the autonomy to make connections in unique and creative ways in order to facilitate learning.<\/p>\n
In addition, adults need to know the reason for exerting effort and thereby learning something<\/u> where there is immediate application because adults are problem-centered.<\/u> Otherwise, their time and effort can be directed towards more meaningful tasks in which they believe have a better outcome. In addition, adults understand the value of knowledge and the key component it plays in pursuit of their goals. With Andragogy, the difference is that adults have a gap that they wish to fill in the present in order to achieve a specific goal in the future. For example, my goal is to become a management consultant; therefore, I must complete a Masters program in order to open up the doors necessary to achieve my goal. Therefore, I currently have a problem or gap that I need to fix in order to achieve my goal in the future.<\/p>\n
Lastly, adult students must have a readiness to learn<\/u> based on their developmental position and this must come from an intrinsic motivation<\/u>. A developmental task inspires an adult learner to go back to school and finish a degree because they understand the value it will add to their career. Generally, adult learners return back to school to enhance their quality of life or that of their family\u2019s situation (Conaway et al. 2015). These are both intrinsic motivations, whereas children have extrinsic motivations (reward or punishment) in order to learn. For example, I did not complete grade 12 Functions or Calculus while I was in high school; however, I found out that it was required in order to complete a marketing degree. As a result, I had the intrinsic motivation to self-teach myself both math subjects over the course of one summer.<\/p>\n
What is an experience in your life where you lacked 1 or 2 of the 6 motivational principles for Andragogy and it resulted in a lack of motivation to complete the task?<\/p>\n
Christina<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
References<\/p>\n
Conaway, W. & Zorn-Arnold, B. (2015). The Keys to Online Learning For Adults: The Six Principles of Andragogy. Retrieved from https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/299540188_The_Keys_to_Online_Learning_for_Adults_The_Six_Principles_of_Andragogy<\/p>\n
Unit 6 Notes (2018). Retreived on October 31, 2018, from https:\/\/create.twu.ca\/ldrs500\/unit-6\/unit-6-notes\/<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I would describe my experience as an adult learner to be substantially different as opposed to learning as a child. Malcolm Knowles argues that there are 6 principles of Andragogy, which include: an individual\u2019s evolution from dependent personality to self-governed adult, a growing reservoir of experiences that becomes a rich source of knowledge, readiness to … <\/p>\n