Andragogy: what it is and what it means

Andragogy is the theoretical framework that describes how adults learn differently from children. Its core principles include learning through experience already accumulated, solving concrete problems, and autonomy in choosing what to learn and why. In a business setting, andragogy stands against carrying over school methods centered on content: applying those methods to workplace learning produces frustration and low transfer to the job. The framework remains a useful reference, provided it is read in operational terms and adapted to the context.

Distinctive: learn differently from children
Distinctive: autonomy in choosing what to learn and why
Essential: experience already accumulated
Essential: solving concrete problems
Constant: in a business setting

Glossary

Andragogy

A theoretical framework that describes the principles of adult learning, as opposed to pedagogy (how children learn).