Pandit Ravi Shankar Shukla
University
SOS Sociology And Social Work
MSW 3RD Semester
Session 2023-24
CC-11 Social work Personnel training and Development
Presentation- Adult Learning Theory- Malcolm Knowles
Guide:
Presented by:
Dr. Hemlata Borkar Vasnik Pranshu
Pandey
Contents:
1. Malcom Knowles
2. Andragogy
3. 6 assumptions of adult learning
4. Principles of adult earning
5. Conclusion
6. References
Malcom Knowles
• Malcolm Shepherd Knowles (1913-
1997)Was an American educator well
known for the use of the term
Andragogy assynonymous to the adult
education.
• According to Malcolm Knowles,
andragogy is the art and science of
adult learning, thus andragogy refers
to any form of adult learning.
(Kearsley, 2010).
Andragogy
The term ANDRAGOGY can be
supposedly equivalent to the term
pedagogy.
Andragogy in Greek means man-
leading in comparison to pedagogy,
which in Greek means child-leading.
However, it should be noticed that the
term pedagogy is used since the
Ancient Greek times while
Alexander Kapp, a German
educator, originally used the term
andragogy in 1833.
6 Assumptions Of Adult Learning
Theory
The Need To Know
In
1980, Knowles made The Learner’s self concept
4 assumptions abou
t the characteristics The Learner’s Prior experiences
of adult learners
(andragogy) that Learners Readiness to learn
are different from the
assumptions about Learners orientation to learning
child learners
(pedagogy). In Learner’s Motivation
1984, Knowles adde
d the 5th assumption.
1. The Need To Know
• "adults need to know why they need to learns something
before undertaking to learn it“
• >By explaining the purpose of the assignment and the
learning outcome of the assignment prior to assigning the
task increase the chance that the adult learner will be
motivated to attempt the task may choose to explain or
provide an outline of the learning expectations prior to
beginning class or lectuer
• This would be one method to implement the essential
assumption in class room environment.
• "have a self-concept of being responsible
for their own decisions, for their own lives“
• Nada Dabbash comments “the learner's
self-concept is a key predictor for success,
2. The and students who have an internal locus of
control tend to be more successful,
Learner’ especially
environment”
in the online learning
s Self • The instructor must be willing to give up
concept control of the course to allow the learners
to be empowered to work on the course
content together with instructor as an
equal
• In the 2 nd assumption of Knowle’s adult
learning theory, students are encouraged
to participate actively in group projects.
• Adults have different experiences from
children. There by creating a more
heterogeneous group of learners.
3. The • Encouraging learners to connect their
Learner’ learning to life experiences can help the
learner gain a better understanding of the
s Prior learning material.
Experien • The course content must be structured in a
way that fasters sharing experiences among
ces learners such as using group projects and
interactive discussions.
• Knowle’s suggest that instructors who would
like to implement this assumption course
need to ask students their opinion regarding
activites they would like to particpate in to
improve their learning experiences.
4. The learner’s readiness to Learn
• Acc. to Knowles – it means aligning learning with
developmental concepts. Here needs of learner must be
addressed quickly to ensure success of learners.
• Asking adult learners about specific experiences with topics
related to course content and about expectation for the
course.
• The answers student provide can help instructor get a better
understanding of learners readiness to learn the course
content and it would allow students to have better
understanding about what they are going to learn.
5. The learners orientation to
Learning.
• The 5TH assumption in Knowles adult learning are motivated to learn
when given authentic learning activities.
• And such the curriculum should be process based to allow learners
to develop content in accordance with their specific needs.
• It is important to note that authentic learning activites provide
meaning beyond the learning environment.
Examples of authentic activities include –
1. Case study
2. Team problem solving activities
3. Conducting interviews
Adult learners are intrinsically motivated
to learn.
For this reason acc. To Knowles instructor
can support the intrinsic motivation to
6. The learn by providing a learning environment
that engages the students and
learner encourages than to be active participants.
motivatio To create a positive learning environment
for adults as Knowles instructors must be
n aware of the need of learners to be
appreciated, valued and respected.
Using games , stimulating radio talk or
using multimedia when appropriate all
have been used successfully to enhance
motivation.
In 1984, Knowles suggested 4 principles that are applied to adult
learning.
Conclusion
• Implementing the learning assumptions outlined above is
invaluable in shaping the learning process to be more
conducive to adults.
• According to Knowles they should be used as a guide for
developing the adult learning environment.
• On a last note “ a benefit in applying andrgogy includes the
ability to adapt assumption to fit the needs of individual
learners and learning situation”
REFERENCES
• Knowles M. (1984) The adult learner: A neglected species(3RD
Edition).
• Kearsley G. (2010) Andragogy(M. Knowles) the theory into
practice.
