andragogy

From the Greek words "anere", for adult and "agogus", the art and science of helping students learn. Widely used by adult educators to describe the theory of adult learning. The term offers an alternative to pedagogy. The andragogic model asks that five issues be considered and addressed in formal learning:Letting learners know why something is important to learn - The need to know. Showing learners how to direct themselves through information - The need to be self directing. Relating the topic to the learner's experiences - Greater volume and quality of experience. People will not learn until ready and motivated to learn - Readiness to learn. A need to have a life centered, task centered, or problem centered orientation - Often this requires helping them overcome inhibitions, behaviors, and beliefs about learning.