Tree image AI-generated with assistance from ChatGPT (OpenAI), 2025. Banner design created in Canva

ANDRAGOGY

Andragogy is the practice of designing learning experiences that reflect how adults learn best.

Unlike pedagogy, which focuses on teaching children, andragogy centers on adult learners—who bring prior knowledge, real-life experience, and a desire for purpose-driven learning. Adults tend to learn best when they have a say in what they’re learning, can see how it connects to their life or work, and are motivated by goals that matter to them.

ALEXANDER KAPP

( 1833 )

Contribution: First used the term andragogy

Core Concept: Learning is shaped by adult experiences, which are different from how children learn and should be treated as such.

ROSENSTOCK

( 1921 )

Contribution: Picked up where Kapp left off and applied andragogy to the changing needs of post-war society

Core Concept: Learning connects with real-world responsibilities and should reflect the unique roles and contexts adults navigate.

EDUARD LINDEMAN

(1926 )

Contribution: Introduced andragogy to English-speaking audiences and promoted the idea of lifelong learning

Core Concept: Learning is a self-directed, experience-based process that happens throughout life—not just in school.

MALCOLM KNOWLES

(1980 )

Contribution: Popularized and formalized the theory of andragogy in the U.S.

Core Concept: Learning happens through self-direction, real-life relevance, and internal motivation. Knowles emphasized that adult learners thrive when they’re respected, given choices, and offered learning that solves problems they care about.

References

Video Sources:

PHILO-notes. (2022, March 15). Knowles‘s Adult Learning Theory [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/embed/Vhn1WA5bgWw?feature=oembed

Textual Sources:

Coleman, H. (2023, June 8). What is Adult Learning Theory and How to Use It In Employee Training. eLearning Industry. https://www.ispringsolutions.com/blog/adult-learning-theories
Pappas, C. (2013, May 9). The Adult Learning Theory-Androgogy-of Malcolm Knowles. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/the-adult-learning-theory-andragogy-of-malcolm-knowles
Thompson, P. (2017). Foundations of Educational Technology. Oklahoma State University. https://open.library.okstate.edu/foundationsofeducationaltechnology/
Western Governors University. (2022, May 24). Andragogy vs. pedagogy: Key differences in learning. Western Governors University. https://www.wgu.edu/blog/andragogy-pedagogy-key-differences-learning2205.html

AI and Design Tools:

Canva was used to create infographics.
ChatGPT (OpenAI, 2025) and Gemini (Google, 2025) were used to support revision, grammar correction, content reorganization, clarity in writing, and citations with prompts such as "Please review this for clarity and organization and give me feedback on what I should revise."

Bernard. L. (2025) Andragogy Overview, Created on Canvas

References

Video Sources:

PHILO-notes. (2022, March 15). Knowles‘s Adult Learning Theory [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/embed/Vhn1WA5bgWw?feature=oembed

Textual Sources:

Coleman, H. (2023, June 8). What is Adult Learning Theory and How to Use It In Employee Training. eLearning Industry. https://www.ispringsolutions.com/blog/adult-learning-theories
Pappas, C. (2013, May 9). The Adult Learning Theory-Androgogy-of Malcolm Knowles. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/the-adult-learning-theory-andragogy-of-malcolm-knowles
Thompson, P. (2017). Foundations of Educational Technology. Oklahoma State University. https://open.library.okstate.edu/foundationsofeducationaltechnology/
Western Governors University. (2022, May 24). Andragogy vs. pedagogy: Key differences in learning. Western Governors University. https://www.wgu.edu/blog/andragogy-pedagogy-key-differences-learning2205.html

AI and Design Tools:

Canva was used to create infographics.
ChatGPT (OpenAI, 2025) and Gemini (Google, 2025) were used to support revision, grammar correction, content reorganization, clarity in writing, and citations with prompts such as "Please review this for clarity and organization and give me feedback on what I should revise."

Bernard. L. (2025) Andragogy's 5 Assumptions and their Connections to Teaching and Learning, Created on Canvas

References

Video Sources:

PHILO-notes. (2022, March 15). Knowles‘s Adult Learning Theory [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/embed/Vhn1WA5bgWw?feature=oembed

Textual Sources:

Coleman, H. (2023, June 8). What is Adult Learning Theory and How to Use It In Employee Training. eLearning Industry. https://www.ispringsolutions.com/blog/adult-learning-theories
Pappas, C. (2013, May 9). The Adult Learning Theory-Androgogy-of Malcolm Knowles. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/the-adult-learning-theory-andragogy-of-malcolm-knowles
Thompson, P. (2017). Foundations of Educational Technology. Oklahoma State University. https://open.library.okstate.edu/foundationsofeducationaltechnology/
Western Governors University. (2022, May 24). Andragogy vs. pedagogy: Key differences in learning. Western Governors University. https://www.wgu.edu/blog/andragogy-pedagogy-key-differences-learning2205.html

AI and Design Tools:

Canva was used to create infographics.
ChatGPT (OpenAI, 2025) and Gemini (Google, 2025) were used to support revision, grammar correction, content reorganization, clarity in writing, and citations with prompts such as "Please review this for clarity and organization and give me feedback on what I should revise."

Bernard. L. (2025) Andragogy's 6 Principles and their Connections to Teaching and Learning, Created on Canvas

References

Video Sources:

PHILO-notes. (2022, March 15). Knowles‘s Adult Learning Theory [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/embed/Vhn1WA5bgWw?feature=oembed

Textual Sources:

Coleman, H. (2023, June 8). What is Adult Learning Theory and How to Use It In Employee Training. eLearning Industry. https://www.ispringsolutions.com/blog/adult-learning-theories
Pappas, C. (2013, May 9). The Adult Learning Theory-Androgogy-of Malcolm Knowles. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/the-adult-learning-theory-andragogy-of-malcolm-knowles
Thompson, P. (2017). Foundations of Educational Technology. Oklahoma State University. https://open.library.okstate.edu/foundationsofeducationaltechnology/
Western Governors University. (2022, May 24). Andragogy vs. pedagogy: Key differences in learning. Western Governors University. https://www.wgu.edu/blog/andragogy-pedagogy-key-differences-learning2205.html

AI and Design Tools:

Canva was used to create infographics.
ChatGPT (OpenAI, 2025) and Gemini (Google, 2025) were used to support revision, grammar correction, content reorganization, clarity in writing, and citations with prompts such as "Please review this for clarity and organization and give me feedback on what I should revise."

Bernard. L. (2025) Andragogy's Strengths and Limitations, Created on Canvas

References

Video Sources:

PHILO-notes. (2022, March 15). Knowles‘s Adult Learning Theory [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/embed/Vhn1WA5bgWw?feature=oembed

Textual Sources:

Coleman, H. (2023, June 8). What is Adult Learning Theory and How to Use It In Employee Training. eLearning Industry. https://www.ispringsolutions.com/blog/adult-learning-theories
Pappas, C. (2013, May 9). The Adult Learning Theory-Androgogy-of Malcolm Knowles. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/the-adult-learning-theory-andragogy-of-malcolm-knowles
Thompson, P. (2017). Foundations of Educational Technology. Oklahoma State University. https://open.library.okstate.edu/foundationsofeducationaltechnology/
Western Governors University. (2022, May 24). Andragogy vs. pedagogy: Key differences in learning. Western Governors University. https://www.wgu.edu/blog/andragogy-pedagogy-key-differences-learning2205.html

AI and Design Tools:

Canva was used to create infographics.
ChatGPT (OpenAI, 2025) and Gemini (Google, 2025) were used to support revision, grammar correction, content reorganization, clarity in writing, and citations with prompts such as "Please review this for clarity and organization and give me feedback on what I should revise."

A Neurodivergent Perspective on Learning & PLN Engagement

🎨 Chosen Learning Experience: Formal Art Class

I signed up for a formal art class at New York Art Studio to refine my technique and build foundational skills. After enrolling, the instructor reviewed some of my previous artwork to better understand my strengths and areas for growth. From there, we set a personal goal together—drawing a still life of a perfume bottle. I’ve included a 'before and after' below to show how targeted, personalized instruction helped me grow. I appreciated being part of the planning process and having support when I struggled to apply new techniques like shading or holding a charcoal pencil. When I got stuck, the instructor modeled what to do, which helped me stay motivated and make meaningful progress.

🧠 Application of Adult Learning Theory

This learning experience was successful because it reflected key adult learning principles:

Relevance: The content directly supported my personal goal.
Readiness to Learn: I was motivated and invested in making visible progress.
Self-Concept: I had ownership of the process and could direct the pace.
Support: The instructor provided modeling and feedback, helping me overcome obstacles without taking over.

These elements made the experience both meaningful and productive.

🌐 Learning Preferences & PLN Influence

As a woman with ADD, I’ve learned that structure matters. I do best in learning environments that offer clear goals and progression—but I also need room for self-direction and choice. For me, the most effective learning happens when it’s not just well-organized, but also meaningful and relevant. If I can see how the learning connects to something I care about, I’m much more likely to stay focused and engaged.

This preference shapes how I engage with my Personal Learning Network. I’m drawn to resources that blend formal structure with learner autonomy—like guided courses that allow flexibility or communities where I can explore topics at my own pace. In contributing to my PLN, I want to share and create experiences that honor diverse attention needs, center motivation, and support learners in moving from curiosity to mastery.

Before

After

References

Video Sources:

PHILO-notes. (2022, March 15). Knowles‘s Adult Learning Theory [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/embed/Vhn1WA5bgWw?feature=oembed

Textual Sources:

Coleman, H. (2023, June 8). What is Adult Learning Theory and How to Use It In Employee Training. eLearning Industry. https://www.ispringsolutions.com/blog/adult-learning-theories
Pappas, C. (2013, May 9). The Adult Learning Theory-Androgogy-of Malcolm Knowles. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/the-adult-learning-theory-andragogy-of-malcolm-knowles
Thompson, P. (2017). Foundations of Educational Technology. Oklahoma State University. https://open.library.okstate.edu/foundationsofeducationaltechnology/
Western Governors University. (2022, May 24). Andragogy vs. pedagogy: Key differences in learning. Western Governors University. https://www.wgu.edu/blog/andragogy-pedagogy-key-differences-learning2205.html
Smith, M. K. (2002). Informal, non-formal and formal education: a brief overview of different approaches, The encyclopedia of pedagogy and informal education. https://infed.org/mobi/informal-non-formal-and-formal-education-a-brief-overview-of-some-different-approaches/
Types of Education: Formal, Informal & Non-formal. (2019, September 20). Passion in Education. https://www.passionineducation.com/types-of-education-formal-informal-non-formal/

AI and Design Tools:

Canva was used to create infographics.
ChatGPT (OpenAI, 2025) and Gemini (Google, 2025) were used to support revision, grammar correction, content reorganization, clarity in writing, and citations with prompts such as "Please review this for clarity and organization and give me feedback on what I should revise."

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse