Adult Learning – Andragogy

Anyone who teaches adults knows there is a big difference between teaching adults and children. If you do some research, you will see that each has its own name: teaching adults is called - andragogy, and children - pedagogy.

Andragogy

Commentors, including Malcolm Knowles, have proposed seven principles of adult learning. They are -

Adults must want to learn;
Adults will learn only what they feel they need to learn;
Adults learn by doing;
Adult learning focuses on problem-solving;
Experience affects adult learning;
Adults learn best in an informal situation;
Adults want guidance and consideration as equal partners in the process.

Background

I have taught award courses at universities since 1986 and non-award training courses for executives since 1987. I currently do both on a regular basis and immensely enjoy my work and hope to continue for many more years. I also am a legal, accounting and business improvement practitioner and still take on small jobs to keep current and intellectually stimulated. If the work grows too big or becomes too complicated, I obtain assistance from trusted professionals.

My Work

My work has two main parts - adult education (higher education students and executives) and professional practice. It is a convenient combination of work, as my adult education work gives me an insight into the subject and the executives provide me with case studies, which I edit for privacy and confidentiality purposes, and use in my various higher education and executive classes. The private practice keeps me current and provides valuable case studies.

My Mantras

I live by the above seven principles of adult learning, and by two mantras. The first mantra is that I seek to deliver the educational content in a clear way so that if required it can immediately be used to solve problems at work. The second mantra is that I seek to make the classes engaging. I find that the learners appreciate both, and I am often told that it helps their learning.

My Lucky Break

At the end of my first university three-hour lecture and tutorial (1986), the students formed a deputation and immediately went to the Dean and asked to have me dismissed. It was one of the luckiest days of my life, as I could have been fired and never had the interesting and rewarding career that I have had. The Dean was like a father to me, and he sat me down and patiently advised me how to facilitate, and not teach, and provided other ways to make the class more engaging. He, and two others, were great mentors to me. Now, 38 years later I have had a most enjoyable career in formal and executive business education. I am known for my passion for my work and desire to assist my learners. When the Dean, noted above, died I spoke at his funeral stating how he helped me, which laid the foundations for an enjoyable career, when he could have simply just removed me.

In the Learner’s Shoes

Over the years I have always tried to put myself in the shoes of the learner - whether they are university students or executives. I see myself as a facilitator, and not a teacher or lecturer, as I facilitate the exchange of knowledge and learning. I call my learners participants, as we are all participating in the educational experience, with me facilitating. I work on making learning materials that make sense, and user-friendly and try to communicate verbally and in writing using plain language and provide visual assistance like flow charts. I also seek to be helpful and have not forgotten the Dean’s kindness to me. The brochure for a 2023 Asian course for executives stated: “Cyril is known for his attention to detail, engaging presentations and his humour.”

Conclusion

Some advice for the teaching of adults includes –

Part of good leadership is to help your staff in a human and constructive way;
Be a good facilitator by facilitating the exchange of knowledge in an informative and engaging manner;
Treat the person attending class as an active participant in the exchange;
See the educational experience also from the participant’s shoes;
Keep current;
Use case studies, information, videos, business documents, props etc that are relevant to what you are teaching;
Deliver in an engaging way. Use the seven above adult learning principles. Do not forget appropriate and light humour.

Associate Professor Cyril Jankoff is Associate Program Director – Undergraduate and Associate Dean, Scholarship at UBSS.