Refers to the method and practice of teaching adult learners, emphasizing approaches that recognize adults’ prior experience, self-direction, and readiness to learn. The term derives from the Greek words andra ("man" or "adult") and ago ('to lead"). It was first coined in 1833 by German educator Alexander Knapp to describe Plato’s theory of education. However, andragogy is most closely associated with Malcolm Knowles in the 1970s, who significantly shaped the modern field of adult education.  Andragogy emphasizes that adults learn differently from children. Adults are typically self-directed, goal-oriented, and bring valuable prior experiences to their learning. In this model, educators act as facilitators rather than lecturers, helping adult learners connect new knowledge to their own experiences and apply it to real-world goals. Key features include:

• Learner-centered approach: Instruction is built around learners’ needs, interests, and goals, with flexibility in both content and delivery.
• Flexible delivery: Learning can occur synchronously or asynchronously, allowing adults to balance education with work and personal commitments.
• Reflective assessment: Evaluation emphasizes reflection, self-assessment, and the practical application of learning.
• Feedback-driven improvement: Learners’ feedback is actively gathered and used to refine instructional methods and materials.

See Topic Brief: Changes in Teaching and Learning in the 21st Century—Pedagogy, Andragogy, and Heutagogy | Learn & Work Ecosystem Library