While university environment focuses on educating students 18 and older, the teaching methods used may reflect the course’s field of study or purpose as opposed to the learner’s age. To determine which teaching methods we should use for our courses, we need to understand the differences between approaches to pedagogy vs. andragogy.
Pedagogy
Pedagogy focuses on dependent learners, who are conceptual learners. Learners understand that acquiring knowledge is essential for advancing through the curriculum. The instructor structures the acquisition of foundational knowledge and skills by determining and defining learning stages. The learning process is guided by the type of pedagogy used. The motivation to learn is external, driven by recognition and grades.
Suggested times to use a pedagogical approach:
- Courses designed for first-year students
- Subjects that benefit from structured and sequential knowledge acquisition
- Required courses
- When modeling how to work with dependent learners
Andragogy
Andragogy focuses on adult learners, who are practical learners. Learners want the rationale behind their studies, how it applies to life outside of the course, and how it connects to previous experiences. The role of the instructor is facilitator in this student-led instructional approach. The learning process often includes active participation and collaboration with others. The motivation to learn is intrinsic, especially when the knowledge is presented in a way that focuses on problem-solving.
Suggested times to use an andragogical approach:
- Courses are upper-level and have independent research or large projects
- Courses with online, distanced, or hybrid modalities
Some of us might use a combination of pedagogy and andragogy depending on the field, purpose, progression, and modality of the course. Regardless of age and motivation, not every student is ready to move to self-directed learning once they start college, and they may require some guidance and support when moving towards more autonomy as a learner.
Additional Resources
To learn more about teaching methods and ways to appeal to different learners, check out the following resources:
- 3 Adult Learning Theories Every E-Learning Designer Must Know Association for Talent Development
- Andragogy vs. Pedagogy: Key Differences in Learning WGU
- Deconstructing ChatGPT on the Future of Continuing Education Inside Higher Ed
- Effective Teaching Practices NIU CITL
- From the Inside Out: Reflecting on a Dual Lens Inside Higher Ed
- How to Make Your Teaching More Inclusive Chronicle of Higher Education
- Learning in a Time of Abundance Inside Higher Ed
- The Needs and Preferences of Fully Online Learners Inside Higher Ed
- Pedagogy, Andragogy, & Heutagogy University of Illinois Springfield
- Pedagogy and course design need to change. Here’s how. Inside Higher Ed
- Pedagogy of Kindness in Practice NIU CITL
- Pedagogical Strategies and Practices Montclair State University
- The Pulse: Design for the Mind Inside Higher Ed
- Questioning as a Foundation for Pedagogy Inside Higher Ed
- The Rise of Do-It-Yourself Education Inside Higher Ed
- What is pedagogy in education? Augusta University
