Andragogy Vs Pedagogy Essay

The assumptions of andragogy contrast sharply with the assumptions of pedagogy, which are that learners are dependent personalities who bring little or no experience to the educational activity and learners attend to such activities because they have been told they need to do so. The subject matter is sequenced logically and centered on the subject versus personal learner needs, and the motivation to learn the subject matter is mostly external, such as from parents, teachers, or threat of failure (Knowles, 1984). Although Knowles first viewed andragogy as being dichotomous to pedagogy, he revised his views and thinking over time and stated he viewed andragogy and pedagogy as being on a continuum, noting that there were times when either approach might be appropriate based on circumstances and needs of the learner (Knowles,1984). Knowles (1980) called upon educators to employ a seven step process in order to implement and capitalize upon the assumptions of andragogy. These steps included creating a cooperative learning climate; planning goals mutually; diagnosing learner needs and interests; helping learners to formulate learning objectives based on their needs and individual interests; designing sequential activities …show more content…
Many online adult learners are older, working adults with many responsibilities and distractions in their lives (Palloff & Pratt, 1999). Online learners may be new to online learning and have some hesitation about their ability to return to school, master the online environment, and succeed in their courses (Conrad & Donaldson, 2004). Despite potential difficulties, a self-directed learning environment allows learners to have input into their own learning goals (Hanna et al.,2000) and this can enhance the value of education for learners (Palloff & Pratt,