The inkling of ‘Andragogy’ has evolved over two centuries back. The term was first coined by German author ‘Alexander Kapp’ in the year 1833 which describes how adults can continue to learn throughout their lives. The author’s argument did not receive much attention at that period and the idea eventually lost traction in educational discussion. Early in the 20th century, interest resurfaced. In the 1920 academicians like ‘Eduard Lindeman’ and Eugen Rosenstock-Huessy’ re-examined adult education, emphasizing that adult learners need different teaching strategies than children. Their efforts stimulated scholarly interest in the process of adult learning.
A few decades later, the
biggest change occurred. American educator Malcolm Knowles transformed the
concept in the 1960’s into the framework that is now commonly accepted as the
cornerstone of adult learning theory. Knowles defended that adults learn with
purpose, rely largely on personal experiences, and benefit from having greater
control over their learning process.
Knowles’ Seminal work in
the year 1968, “Andragogy, Not Pedagogy”, further solidified the idea. This
work elevated andragogy to the fore of educational thought by making a clear
distinction between adult learning practices and the child-focussed approaches
typically employed in classrooms. As universities reconsider how adult students
learn best, higher education is undergoing a gradual transition. One notion
that has remarkably important is andragogy, which is primarily focused on adult
learning. Andragogical approaches see university students as active
participants who bring important life experiences to the classroom rather then
as passive recipients of knowledge.
Adult learners typically
have professional credentials, personal objectives and a better understanding
of the purpose of the course they are taking when they are getting enrolled in
higher education. This is why teaching methods that rely only on lectures and
memorization fails. Adults react more favourably to education that feels
applicable, pertinent and tied to the circumstances they face on a daily basis.
This has encouraged institutions to focus on the methods like case-studies,
field works, internships and problem-centered instructions.
Andragogy also places a
strong emphasis on self-direction. Adults prefer to have some control over
their learning methods, from selecting the subjects, setting personal
objectives or exploring themes that are important to them. The educational
institutions started offering flexible options like online programs, blended
learning, open electives and independent study modules. Another important focus
of the andragogy is the importance of peer interaction. When the students of
various background express their ideas, then the learning environment becomes
livelier. Discussion make it more interesting and classroom activities give
avenues to express various points of views rather than merely listening to the
teacher. This group work also assists the students in developing confidence,
communication and problem solving in real life.
With the changing nature
of work places, there is an increasing demand of graduates who are flexible and
critical thinkers. Andragogy addresses this requirement by promoting a
life-long learning rather than a qualification. Higher education also provides
places of learning that are practical, motivating and purposeful using the
approaches that take into account autonomy and experience of adult learners.
Andragogy does not just provide an adult framework of learning but it is also a
solution to achieving number of sustainable development goals. The promotion of
flexible, inclusive and practical learning, andragogical practices enhance the
global agenda of Quality Education (SDG 4), growth of Women in Education (SDG
5), enhance employability and Economic productivity (SDG 8), reduce social and
educational inequality (SDG10), and create partnerships that enable the curriculum
to be more relevant (SDG 17). That is why the inclusion of Andragogy in higher
education would simply make the learning environment more sustainable and
equal.
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