Adult Learning Theories

• Andragogy is the “art and science of helping adults learn” and Malcolm Knowles contrasted it with pedagogy, which is the art and science of helping children learn. Adults need to know why they should learn something. (Infographic)

• They need internal motivation. They want to know how learning will help them specifically. They bring prior knowledge and experience that form a foundation for their learning. They are self-directed and want to take charge of their learning journey. They find the most relevance from task-oriented learning that aligns with their own realities.

Transformative learning. Jack Mezirow developed this learning theory in the 1970’s. The transformative adult learning theory (sometimes called transformational learning) is focused on changing the way learners think about the world around them, and how they think about themselves. (Detailed presentation)

Self-directed learning. Self directed learning (sometimes called self-direction learning) is the process where individuals take initiative in their learning—they plan, carry out, and evaluate their learning experiences without the help of others. Learners set goals, determine their educational or training needs, implement a plan, and more to enhance their own learning. (Detailed article)