andragogy
andragogy
Pronunciation
Phonetic Spelling
The most common American English pronunciation is: /ˈæn.drəˌɡoʊ.dʒi/
an - /æn/ (like the 'a' in apple)
dra - /drə/ (a 'd' sound followed by a schwa, like the 'a' in about)
go - /ɡoʊ/ (the primary stress, rhymes with go)
gy - /dʒi/ (rhymes with gee or bee)
Word Form Variations
Singular Noun: andragogy
Plural Noun: andragogies
Adjective: andragogical (or andragogic)
Adverb: andragogically
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
andragogy
The theory, methods, and principles of teaching adult learners, as distinct from those used for children.
The art and science of helping adults learn, emphasizing their self-direction, life experiences, and problem-centered approach to education.
Synonyms: adult education theory, adult learning, adult teaching methods
Antonyms: pedagogy (the method and practice of teaching children)
Adjective
andragogical
Relating to or based on the principles of adult learning.
Describing an educational approach that is self-directed, experience-based, and relevant to the immediate life situations of adult students.
Synonyms: self-directed (in learning), adult-centered
Antonyms: pedagogical
Examples of Use
In Books 📚
"In his 1970 book, The Modern Practice of Adult Education: From Pedagogy to Andragogy, Malcolm Knowles first proposed his full-fledged theory of andragogy, solidifying its place in the vocabulary of adult education." (From Learning in Adulthood: A Comprehensive Guide)
"The first assumption of andragogy is that as a person matures, his or her self-concept moves from that of a dependent personality toward that of a self-directing human being." (From The Adult Learner: The Definitive Classic in Adult Education and Human Resource Development)
In Online Publications & Journals 💻
"Instructional designers for corporate training must use an andragogical approach, recognizing that adult learners are motivated by skills they can immediately apply to their jobs, not by grades." (From an article in Training Industry Quarterly)
"When we design courses for adult learners, we shift from a pedagogical model to one of andragogy. This means we focus on problem-centered learning and draw upon the learner's own life experiences as a resource." (From an eLearning Industry blog post)
"The university's new professional development program was designed andragogically, featuring self-paced modules and peer-to-peer discussion groups instead of traditional, top-down lectures." (From an article in The Chronicle of Higher Education)
In Newspapers 📰
"The community college is revamping its certification programs, adopting principles of andragogy to better serve its non-traditional students who need to balance work, family, and education." (From a USA Today article on workforce development)
In Entertainment & Media (Podcasts) 🎙️
"On this week's episode, we're talking about how we learn. Most of us are familiar with pedagogy—how kids are taught in school. But my guest today is an expert in andragogy, which is the completely different framework needed to effectively teach adults." (From a fictional podcast titled Learning for Life)
In General Public Discourse 🗣️
"During the corporate retreat, the facilitator announced, 'We're not going to just lecture you. This workshop is built on the principles of andragogy. You'll be working in groups to solve real-world problems you actually face in your departments.'" (Typical use in a professional development or corporate training setting)
10 Famous Quotes Using Andragogy
I came to define andragogy as the art and science of helping adults learn. (Malcolm Knowles)
Andragogy is built upon the assumption that adults are self-directing and motivated by internal factors. (Malcolm Knowles)
The term andragogy has come to be used by adult educators as a badge of professional identity. (Stephen Brookfield)
Knowles's formulation of andragogy remains the most popular articulation of what is unique about adult learning. (Sharan Merriam)
Andragogy makes the assumption that the learner’s experience is a rich resource for learning. (Malcolm Knowles)
The andragogical model requires that learners be involved in the planning and evaluation of their instruction. (Malcolm Knowles)
The central debate in adult education is the extent to which andragogy is truly different from pedagogy.
Effective corporate training is rooted in andragogy, acknowledging that adult learners need immediate, problem-centered solutions.
To treat an adult learner like a child is to ignore the fundamental principles of andragogy.
The shift from pedagogy to andragogy is a shift from a teacher-centered to a learner-centered approach.
Etymology
The word "andragogy" was built from two ancient Greek words specifically to contrast it with "pedagogy" (the teaching of children).
Here is the breakdown:
Andr- (ἀνδρ-): This is the Greek root for "man" or "adult." You might recognize it in other English words like android (man-like robot) or polyandry (having multiple husbands).
Agogos (ἀγωγός): This Greek word means "leader" or "guide."
When you put them together, andragogy literally translates to "leading the adult" or "guiding the adult."
This contrasts directly with pedagogy, which combines "paidi-" (child) and "agogos" (leader), meaning "leading the child."
First Known Use and Meaning
The term itself (in its German form, Andragogik) was first used in 1833 by a German educator named Alexander Kapp.
He used it in a book about the educational theories of the philosopher Plato. Kapp needed a word to describe how Plato wasn't just teaching children, but was engaging in a specific method of educating other adults. The term didn't become popular and fell out of use for many years until it was revived in the 20th century by American educator Malcolm Knowles, who made it the famous term for adult learning theory that it is today.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Andragogy
Since andragogy is a formal, academic term, it is not used in common, everyday idioms. The phrases that exist are typically academic or professional descriptions.
Here is a list of common professional phrases using the word, followed by common idioms that capture the spirit of andragogy (adult learning, self-direction, and lifelong learning).
Phrases Using "Andragogy"
Principles of andragogy: The core concepts of adult learning theory.
Andragogy in practice: The application of adult learning theory in a real-world setting.
The andragogical model: A framework for designing instruction for adults.
Pedagogy vs. andragogy: A common phrase contrasting the teaching of children with the teaching of adults.
An andragogical approach: A strategy or method centered on adult learning.
Idioms for a Similar Effect (Lifelong & Adult Learning)
You can't teach an old dog new tricks: A common (and often disputed) idiom that andragogy directly argues against, as it is based on the idea that adults can and do learn new things, just differently.
Teach by doing: This captures a key principle of andragogy, which emphasizes experiential, hands-on learning over passive listening.
Learn the ropes: To learn the basics of a new job or skill, a common process for adult learners.
Get your feet wet: To begin gaining experience in a new field, reflecting the adult learner's desire to "dive in."
Hit the ground running: To be able to start a new role or task with full competence immediately, often the goal of an adult learner.
A lifelong learner: A phrase describing someone who embraces the core concept of andragogy—that learning never stops.
School of hard knocks: An idiom for learning from life experience, which is a central part of the andragogical model.
Knowledge is power: A saying that captures the internal motivation of many adult learners.
Never too late to learn: This phrase perfectly summarizes the entire purpose of andragogy.
Learning curve: The rate at which someone learns a new skill, a concept central to adult professional development.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of andragogy from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
