Andragogical Theory and Adult Literacy Programs - Essay Example

 Andragogical Theory and Adult Literacy Programs Thesis ment: The purpose of this paper is to identify the andragogical theory that supports Adults Literacy Programs, and determine the programs’ predictions. Malcolm Knowles defined andragogy as a theory of how adults learn (Sheared, Sissel & Cunningham, 2001). According to the Androgogical theory, in certain crucial respects adults are different from young people as learners; therefore they require a different approach to teaching and learning (Knowles, 1970, 1980).

Knowles’ (1978) Andragogical Theory of adult learning emphasized the processes of adult learning, examining the means by which adult learning took place. This approach contrasted with the age-old perspective based on the outcome of education, with pedagogy being the only theoretical framework for the education of both adults and children. For andragogy to begin its transition into future use, a testable instrument is required to be developed to measure “whether andragogical assumptions are being incorporated in instructional settings” (Taylor & Kroth, 2009, p.10). Knowles’ predictions for the future of adult education included that it would restructure all of education, which would become a life-long endeavor.

Therefore, junior and high school students need not bother memorizing facts; the curriculum of education for the young would need to shift from an emphasis on subject mastery, to learning-skills. Moreover the curriculum would be centred on problem areas or questions, “rather than on fragmented subject areas” (Knowles, 1962, p.275). It is concluded that Knowles’ predicted a new world with a new purpose for education. Knowles highlighted learning what is not yet known, and the creation of a new culture through empowerment.

References Knowles, M.S. (Winter 1978). Androgogy: Adult learning theory in perspective. Community College Review, 5(3): pp.9-20. Knowles, M.S. (1970, 1980). The modern practice of adult education: Andragogy versus pedagogy. Cambridge: Prentice Hall. Knowles, M.S. (1962). A history of adult education movement in the United States. Florida: Krieger Publishing Company. Sheared, V., Sissel, P.A. & Cunningham, P.M. (2001). Making space: Merging theory and practice in adult education. Connecticut: Bergin and Garvey Publishers.

Taylor, B. & Kroth, M. (2009). Andragogy’s transition into the future: Meta-analysis of Andragogy and its search for a measurable instrument. Journal of Adult Education, 38(1): pp.1-11.