English
Approximate reading time: 1m 27s
Today, as promised, we will present the main principles of Knowles’ theory and their application in modern education.
1. First principle of andragogy.
Adults should participate in the creation and development of the training they take part in.
Both younger and older learners should feel like active participants in e-learning, but for the second group this is definitely much more important. They should be an integral part of the development and implementation of the curriculum and assessment. You can achieve this by asking for feedback – this will allow you to create learning materials and tests based on the needs and preferences of your learners.
2. Second principle of andragogy.
Experience should be the basis of every task or activity in training.
What matters most in relation to andragogy is not the final result, but the experience gained. Therefore, instead of filling your training with tasks that require memorizing certain information, you can create projects and exercises that encourage learners to explore the issue in depth, thereby gaining the necessary experience.
In this way, adults can learn from their own mistakes and improve their skills. It is precisely this trial-and-error method that makes e-learning much more meaningful and effective.
3. Third principle of andragogy.
Adult learners should be able to connect the training topic with real life and its application and benefits.
If they cannot see how a given module or activity can be useful to them, they will not be enthusiastic about the entire e-learning process. eLearning specialists can increase engagement by integrating scenarios into their courses. In this way, learners will be able to see directly how what they have learned can be applied in real life.
4. Fourth principle of andragogy.
Give older learners the opportunity to absorb information rather than memorize it.
The content of andragogy courses should be focused on solving a given problem, as adult learners will always look for a way to apply it quickly in practice. Therefore, you should create activities that allow your learners to delve into specific tasks, such as simulations for example, which allow them to store information in their long-term memory through repetition and experience.
The principles listed can be applied in any e-learning course. With their help, learners can benefit in different ways, including by starting to better understand key concepts or by beginning to remember the knowledge they receive for a longer period of time.
Source: http://elearningindustry.com/9-tips-apply-adult-learning-theory-to-elearning.
