Malcom Knowles introduced the term “andragogy” to the United States - defined as “the art and science of helping adults learn.”

5 assumptions of Andragogy:

1. Adults are independent and self directing
   

2. They have accumulated a great deal of experience, which is a rich resource for learning
   

3. They value learning that integrates with the demands of their everyday life
   

4. They are more interested in immediate, problem centered approaches than subject centered ones
   

5. They are more motivated to learn by internal drives than by external ones
   

Knowles’ 7 principles of Andragogy:

1. Establish an effective learning climate, where learners feel safe and comfortable expressing themselves
   

2. Involve learners in mutual planning of relevant methods and curricular content
   

3. Involve learners in diagnosing their own needs - this will help to trigger internal motivation
   

4. Encourage learners to formulate their own learning objectives - this gives them more control of their learning
   

5. Encourage learners to identify resources and devise strategies for using the resources to achieve their objectives
   

6. Support learners in carrying out their learning plans
   

7. Involve learners in evaluating their own learning - this can develop their skills of critical reflection.