A reflection on the Andragogy assumption:

Andragogy, a peculiar word to describe adult learners. I presume this is a part of maturity based on the use of wording.

As I interact with Malcolm Knowles theory of andragogy I find that not all six of this assumptions fit my context or experience. During my time of being an adult learner, there has been highs and lows – in my earlier years as an adult there wasn’t much self-directing happening but has time elapsed it ultimately changed. By this time, I had left high school over 6 years or more and decide to go back into the classroom to finish my diploma. I can recall saying to a friend, “I don’t think I will need to go into a classroom because of being out of the classroom and having developed the knowledge and experience in the subject area needed”. This was my response to the changing desire, to be better at what I was doing in my context.

Knowles, notes, adult are affected by the need for immediacy as opposed to the future application. He is saying as adults we are more concerned about what we can deploy immediately to make a difference instead of looking at a subject related scenario that has no relevance to us right away. I found this to be true, as the attempt to push forward or to elevate my life has been centered around looking at what will address my needs or current situation. This stems from the internal drive to be better rather than the external motivational factors. These drives are coupled with the understanding that you are also cleared about the content being shared. You will hear statements like “I paid my money to learn” so I need to understand the content to be able to apply it. This application is most like related to the current field I am in or want to engage as a direct response to the social role.

So based on all of the assumptions, note,  there is value in what Knowles suggests, but also note that there is value in the vices. for example, he makes the point about the internal motivators. There are others who appreciate the external factors that provide a drive for them – the benefits.