Concepts of Andragogy and Pedagogy
- Pedagogy
Definition: Pedagogy is the art and science of teaching children. The term originates from the Greek words “paid” (child) and “agogos” (leading), meaning “to lead the child.”
Key Features of Pedagogy (Child-Centered Learning)
Aspect | Pedagogy |
Learner | Dependent on teacher |
Orientation | Subject-centered |
Motivation | External (grades, rewards, fear) |
Experience | Learner’s past experience is limited |
Role of Teacher | Authority, directs learning |
Teaching Approach | Content-driven |
Readiness to Learn | Determined by teacher/syllabus |
Assumptions | Learners need to be taught everything step-by-step |
- Andragogy
Definition: Andragogy is the method and practice of teaching adult learners. The term was popularized by Malcolm Knowles in 1970s.
Derived from Greek “andr” (man) and “agogos” (leading), meaning “to lead the adult.”
🔑 Key Features of Andragogy (Adult Learning)
Aspect | Andragogy |
Learner | Self-directed |
Orientation | Problem-centered / Task-centered |
Motivation | Internal (self-esteem, career goals) |
Experience | Rich reservoir of prior experience |
Role of Teacher | Facilitator or guide |
Teaching Approach | Need-based, experiential |
Readiness to Learn | Based on life roles and real-world tasks |
Assumptions | Adults bring maturity, self-direction, and responsibility |
- Pedagogy vs. Andragogy
Criteria | Pedagogy | Andragogy |
Learner dependency | Dependent | Independent |
Learning orientation | Subject-oriented | Problem-oriented |
Motivation | Extrinsic | Intrinsic |
Experience | Limited | Rich and diverse |
Teaching role | Instructor-centered | Facilitator-centered |
Curriculum design | Fixed and standardized | Flexible and learner-driven |
4. Principles of Andragogy (by Malcolm Knowles)
- Need to Know – Adults need to know why they need to learn something.
- Self-Concept – Adults want to be responsible for their decisions.
- Experience – Adult learning is enriched by personal experiences.
- Readiness to Learn – Tied to social roles (job, family, etc.).
- Orientation to Learning – Life-centered, application-oriented.
- Motivation – More influenced by internal drives.
- Application in Agricultural Extension
- Andragogy is highly applicable in farmer training, rural adult education, and capacity building of agripreneurs.
- Use participatory methods: PRA, FFS (Farmer Field Schools), demonstrations, and experiential learning.
- Focus on problem-solving, skills training, and real-life application.
- Ensure flexibility, dialogue, and respect for adult learners’ experience.
- Important Theorists
Name | Contribution |
Malcolm Knowles | Popularized andragogy principles |
Jean Piaget | Cognitive development theory (child learning) |
Lev Vygotsky | Social development theory (zone of proximal development) |
Paulo Freire | Critical pedagogy, dialogue-based learning |
Education & Society
- Education = Process of socialization
- Learning = Process of adaptation and motivation
🔶 Adult Education & Andragogy
Feature | Explanation |
Science of adult learning | Andragogy |
Term coined by | Alexander Kapp |
Popularized by | Malcolm Knowles |
Focus | Problem-centered, experience-based |
Driven by | Motivation (especially intrinsic) |
Style | Non-formal education |
Relevance | Based on “Here and Now” situations |
