Learning Theory: Androgogy

This great introductory video to androgogy by Janet Finlay provides context for the differentiation between androgogy and pedagogy, and also outlines the 6 assumptions of the theory.

Androgogy- Leader of Men
Pedagogy- Leader of Children

6 assumptions of Androgogy as proposed by Malcolm Knowles:
1. Need to Know
2. Self Concept
3. Experience
4. Readiness to learn
5. Orientation to learn
6. Motivation to learn

The main critique of Androgogy is that there is "little or no acknowledgement that every person has been shaped by his or her culture and society," (Merriam, 2001)and simply presents all adult learners as "autonomous, free, and growth oriented." (Merriam, 2001)

References:
Finlay, Janet (2010) Androgoy (Adult Learning). YouTube Video, retrieved from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLoPiHUZbEw

Merriam, S. (2001). Andragogy and self-directed learning: pillars of adult learning theory, In The New Update on Adult Learning Theory, Ed. Sharan, M. San Francisco: John Wiley & Sons, pp.3-14.