Differences Between Andragogy and Pedagogy

Written by: Julio La Roche

Traditionally, young students are portrayed as eager, attentive, and dependent on the teacher to impart their wisdom and years of knowledge. The word "pedagogy," which refers to the art of instructing children, comes from the Greek words for "child" (paidi) and "guide" (ago).

Where do adult learners fit into this picture, though? The term "andragogy," which comes from the Greek word for "man" (andras), refers to the practice of instructing adults. Its application differs significantly from pedagogy.

 The purpose of this opinion blog is to cover the main differences between Andragogy and Pedagogy.

 

Definition of Andragogy:

Adults possess self-motivation and can leverage past experiences to tackle intricate issues, thus it becomes crucial for "leading the elders" to focus on how to best assist them in retaining novel concepts, acquiring fresh problem-solving approaches, and enhancing independent thinking.

When it comes to educating adults, the techniques employed differ from those employed in teaching children. For instance, employing a behavior chart with colorful stickers to encourage children to remain quiet during reading time is inadequate for adult learning. Most adult learners are actively engaged in a profession or field of interest, ranging from medicine to engineering to business, and necessitate customized guidance to cultivate the requisite skills. The field of adult education is continuously progressing with novel practices and theories.

 

The Six Principles of Andragogy:

The six principles of andragogy emphasize the unique characteristics and needs of adult learners.

• Firstly, adult learners need to understand the "why" of what they are learning, so they can apply new knowledge to their lives.
• Secondly, their prior experience informs their identity and abilities, which must be considered when teaching them.
• Thirdly, most adults have moved from dependent to independent learning, which greatly impacts their self-awareness and autonomy.
• Fourthly, since most adult learners are already working, their education needs to be flexible and readily applicable.
• Fifthly, practical problems and solutions are essential to engaging and effective adult learning.
• Lastly, to be effective, educators need to promote intrinsic motivation in adult learners by recognizing their success and promoting increased self-esteem and confidence. In summary, the principles of andragogy acknowledge that adult learners have unique needs, motivations, and experiences that require a tailored approach to education.

 

Definition of Pedagogy:

Pedagogy, also known as "leading the young," primarily focuses on cultivating habits of thinking and behavior. In pedagogy, a teacher's primary responsibility is to create opportunities for students to learn through practical experiences. For instance, in schools, leadership and service are emphasized through coveted roles like "line leader" or "door holder." Similarly, when a teacher modulates their voice while speaking to students in different settings like the playground or classroom, they teach students the importance of being aware of one's behavior.

Educators employ various pedagogical methods to manage their classrooms and deliver instruction. The four main forms of pedagogy are:

1. Behaviorism: This approach holds that a student's behavior is influenced and reinforced by external factors rather than internal ones. Positive reinforcement is the most commonly used form of behaviorism, and it involves rewarding desired behavior to encourage children to learn.
2. Constructivism: This theory suggests that students create their own learning by building on their prior knowledge and experiences. Teachers serve as guides to help students understand and construct their own processes to further their learning.
3. Social Constructivism: This approach combines teacher-guided and student-centered instruction. It emphasizes the idea that "the group is greater than the individual," allowing students to influence and shape outcomes.
4. Liberationism: This method prioritizes the students' opinions in developing the learning environment and often manages the classroom democratically.

 

Main differences Andragogy and Pedagogy:

The main difference between andragogy and pedagogy is the audience they cater to, with andragogy focusing on adult learners and pedagogy focusing on children. Other differences include the following:

• Andragogy emphasizes the independence of adult learners who prefer to direct their own learning, while pedagogy emphasizes the dependence of children on their teacher to guide and structure their learning.
• Andragogy centers on the personal and professional development of adult learners, while pedagogy focuses on children achieving essential developmental stages.
• Adult learners use their own experiences and those of others to understand the curriculum, while children rely on their teacher for all learning resources.
• Andragogy is problem-centered and relevant to real life events, while pedagogy is subject-focused with prescribed curriculum.
• Adult learners are motivated by internal factors such as self-esteem, confidence, and recognition, while children are motivated by external factors such as parents, teachers, and tangible rewards.
• In andragogy, the teacher facilitates and encourages collaboration, mutual respect, and openness with learners, while in pedagogy, the teacher is seen as an expert who imparts knowledge, skills, and structure to learners.

 

Conclusion:

Andragogy and pedagogy are two distinct approaches to teaching and learning that primarily differ in terms of the age group they cater to. While pedagogy focuses on teaching children, andragogy is designed to meet the unique needs and characteristics of adult learners. The dissimilarities between the two are significant, with andragogy emphasizing self-directed learning, problem-centered focus, and internal motivation, while pedagogy emphasizes dependent learning, subject-centered focus, and external motivation. In terms of teaching roles, andragogy teachers act as facilitators while pedagogy teachers act as experts. It is crucial for educators to comprehend these differences and customize their teaching methods to suit the specific needs of their target audience, whether it is children or adults.

 

References:

Western Governors University. (2022, May 24). Andragogy vs. Pedagogy: Key Differences in Learning. https://www.wgu.edu/blog/andragogy-pedagogy-key-differences-learning2205.html#close

Pappas, C. (2021). The Adult Learning Theory - Andragogy - of Malcolm Knowles. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/the-adult-learning-theory-andragogy-of-malcolm-knowles

Peel, E. A. (2023, March 23). Pedagogy | Methods, Theories, & Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/pedagogy