Pedagogy and Andragogy are two different teaching styles, mainly based on the learner’s age and development. I believe that knowing the differences is important for us as creative facilitators and teachers because it helps us design and deliver more effective creative experiences.
Pedagogy is about teaching children and comes from Greek words meaning “child” and “leader.” It’s a teacher-centered approach where the teacher directs everything, and students are seen as passive learners. This method involves a structured curriculum, lots of instruction and memorization, and assumes kids need a lot of guidance because they have little life experience. Techniques include direct teaching, repetitive practice, and testing.
Andragogy, coined by Malcolm Knowles, focuses on teaching adults. It comes from Greek words meaning “man” and “leader.” This is a learner-centered approach, recognising that adults have a lot of life experience, are self-directed, and are motivated (or should be supported to be self-motivated) by their own goals.
Key principles are that adults need to see the relevance of what they’re learning, use their experiences, learn things they can apply right away, and prefer problem-solving over just content.
Understanding these two approaches is crucial for us as creative practitioners and educators for a few reasons:
- Tailored Learning Experiences: It helps teachers customize their methods to fit the needs of their learners. Kids need more structure and guidance, while adults benefit from self-directed learning and practical applications.
- Increased Engagement: Using the right approach can make learning more engaging and motivating. Adults, for example, are more engaged when they see the learning’s relevance and can relate it to their own experiences.
- Effective Outcomes: Aligning teaching strategies with learners’ needs can make educational programs more effective. For instance, using collaborative and hands-on learning with adults can improve knowledge retention and application.
- Professional Competence: Educators who master both pedagogical and andragogical strategies are more versatile and capable of teaching different age groups and learning contexts.
In short, the main difference between pedagogy and andragogy is in how dependent, experienced, and motivated the learners are, which calls for different teaching methods.
As Creative facilitators and educators we need to understand these differences to create effective and engaging learning experiences.
| Pedagogy | Andragogy |
| /ˈped.ə.ɡɑː.dʒi/ noun [ U ] EDUCATION specialized: the study of the methods and activities of teaching (in particular educating children) | /ˈæn.drə.ɡɒdʒ.i/ noun [ U ] EDUCATION specialized: the theory, methods and activities involved in teaching adult learners |
| Pedagogical | Andragogical |
| Learner is dependent on the teacher. Teacher is the one who evaluates progress and assumes full responsibility for what is taught and its efficacy. | Learner depends on self. The method requires self-evaluation and direction and self takes responsibility for the process. |
| Learner comes to the table with little life experience. Child-like learning comes with a blank slate and the educator is one of the most influential figures, as peers likely have the same lack of experience. | Learner uses life experience as a foundation. Instructors build on existing knowledge and require an understanding of diverse backgrounds. Adults learn from the instructor, but also from one another. |
| Students advance once they have completed the necessary steps. Child learners are told what they need to do to master a topic in order to move onto the next one. | Learning is triggered by any number of life experiences and not necessarily led by a designated instructor. Learners don’t advance to another topic, but rather fill knowledge gaps as and where needed. |
| Learning is prescribed by an instructor and sequenced in a way that makes logical sense. Topics are broken down into content units. | Learning is prescribed by self. Learners see a problem or knowledge gap and organize topics around life/work solutions. |
| Learners are motivated by external sources, such as parents and teachers. The topic is completed by a pass or fail grade. | Learners are motivated by intrinsic means: self-esteem, quality of life, problem-solving, and the quest for recognition. Topics are completed by mastery. |
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