andragogy
English meaning: Andragogy
English Definition
(English)Andragogy (Greek: andros = man + agogos = leader) recognises that adult learners are self-directed, internally motivated, and oriented toward problem-solving rather than subject mastery. They need to know why they are learning something before engaging deeply. Andragogical principles underpin professional development, MOOCs, corporate training, and adult literacy programmes. India's adult literacy mission employs andragogical approaches.
English Definition
The theory and practice of adult learning, developed by Malcolm Knowles, as distinct from pedagogy (child learning). Adults learn differently from children — they are self-directed, motivated by practical relevance, and draw on rich prior experience.
Example
“MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) apply andragogy — learners choose what they study, pace themselves, and apply knowledge immediately to their professional contexts.”
In English: “MOOCs embody andragogical principles — self-direction, practical relevance, and learning driven by the adult learner's own goals.”
Synonyms
- adult education theory
- adult learning
Antonyms / Opposites
- pedagogy
- child-centred learning
Literary Heritage
“The end then of learning is to repair the ruins of our first parents by regaining to know God aright.”
“The end then of learning is to repair the ruins of our first parents by regaining to know God aright.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B