Differences between Andragogy and Pedagogy

Andragogy vs. Pedagogy

Andragogy refers to the methods and principles used in adult education, while pedagogy refers to the methods and practice of teaching children. The term andragogy was popularized in the United States by educator Malcolm Knowles, who developed a theory of adult learning that contrasted with traditional, child-focused models of education. Knowles's theory is based on the idea that adults learn differently from children and require a different instructional approach that accounts for their experience and desire for self-direction.

Pedagogy places the instructor at the center of the learning experience, responsible for directing what is taught, how it is taught, and how it is evaluated. In contrast, andragogy views the instructor as a facilitator of learning for adults, who are seen as self-directed participants responsible for their own educational journey. These different orientations influence the design and execution of educational programs for each group.

Comparison Table

Category	Andragogy (Adult-focused)	Pedagogy (Child-focused)
Learner's Self-Concept	The learner is self-directed and autonomous.	The learner is a dependent personality.
Role of Experience	The learner's experience is a rich resource for learning.	The learner has limited experience to draw upon; the instructor's experience is most valuable.
Readiness to Learn	Learning is often tied to developmental tasks related to social roles (e.g., worker, parent).	Learners are typically told what they need to learn to advance to the next level of mastery.
Orientation to Learning	Learning is problem-centered and focused on immediate application to real-life situations.	Learning is subject-centered, focusing on acquiring foundational knowledge for future use.
Motivation	Primarily internal, such as self-esteem, career advancement, or a desire for a better quality of life.	Primarily external, such as grades, parental approval, or competition.

Venn diagram comparing Differences between Andragogy and Pedagogy

Conceptual Debate

Some educators have criticized the strict division between andragogy and pedagogy. Critics argue that the principles of andragogy can be useful for teaching children and that pedagogical methods are sometimes appropriate for adult learners, suggesting that the distinction is more of a continuum than a dichotomy. For instance, an adult learning a completely new and complex subject may initially benefit from a more structured, teacher-directed approach. Further criticism suggests that Knowles's original model of andragogy was based on an idealized, middle-class Western male learner and did not sufficiently account for cultural and social contexts. Despite these critiques, the distinction remains influential in the design of educational and training programs.