Andragogy for Adult Learning

Improving Andragogy of Educational Technology Training for Adult Learning

The world around us is changing as integration of technology increases, creating a need for the development of knowledge and skills that organizations use for relevance and evolution. Many people picture students in classrooms when thinking of education, but with the increase in technology, many adults or non-traditional students have found themselves in need of skill development and continued education for relevancy and career advancement. Understanding the concept of andragogy, which was designed by Malcolm Knowles, will help in finding improvements for this concept, ultimately benefiting adult learners. Knowles stated that there are six characteristics that define adult learners.

1. Why they need to know what is being taught

2. Self-Direction

3. The use of self experience in their learning

4. Readiness to learn for development

5. Application of knowledge

6. Internal Motivation

The Adult Learner

The skills mentioned above are essential for adult learners, sometimes referred to as self-directed learners or non-traditional students. The skills mentioned above should also include technological skills and digital literacy as we are in a digital revolution. Adults cannot rely only on their education from childhood, as technology now allows adult learners the opportunity for lifelong learning through the shift of learning platforms. Taking the busy lives and responsibilities of adult learners into account, educators using online platforms must look at several factors for improving andragogy through the presentation of effective resources and easiness of navigation in the resources.

Improvements to be Made

Some ways for improvement for adult learners are having organized learning that enables the learner to have control. This allows the learner to accept responsibility and independence for their learning. Once the learner has accepted responsibility, information should be offered in a variety of formats, allowing the learner to engage in their learning comfortably. Having options such as self-study or collaborative projects can also provide the learner independence. After new knowledge is obtained, adult learners should be provided opportunities in their learning that apply their past experiences for reference.

More Ways of Improvement

1. Have adult learners write out their goals

2. Use technology to provide collaboration for gaining interest and reflection

3. Acknowledge their experiences and skills by providing applicable information

4. Acknowledge and adapt policies to recognize their responsibilities outside of the classroom.

Resources

https://www.lambdasolutions.net/blog/andragogy-secret-how-to-use-adult-learning-theory-to-drive-ld-engagement-success

https://carlastechycampus.com/improving-andragogy-of-educational-technology-training-for-adult-learning/

https://www.gofluent.com/blog/andragogy-in-training-and-development/

Works Cited

Bliss, A. C. (2019). Adult Science-Based Learning: The Intersection of Digital, Science, and Information Literacies. Adult Learning, 30(3), 128–137. https://doi.org/10.1177/1045159519829042

Martin, W., Strother, S., Beglau, M., Bates, L., Reitzes, T., and McMillan Culp, K. (2010) Connecting instructional technology professional development to teacher and student outcomes. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 43, (1), 55-76.

Miller, J., Christensen, R., & Knezek, G. (2017, March). Effect of a makerspace training series on elementary and middle school educator confidence levels toward integrating technology. In Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference (pp. 1015-1020). Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE)