Educating adults differs from educating children in several ways. The practice has been referred to as andragogy (to distinguish it from pedagogy). One of the most important differences is that adults have accumulated knowledge and experience which can either add value to a learning experience or hinder it. Another important difference is that adults frequently must apply their knowledge in some practical fashion in order to learn effectively; there must be a goal and a reasonable expectation that the new knowledge will help them further that goal.

Andragogy, a term originally used by Alexander Kapp (a German educator) in 1833, was developed into a theory of adult education by the American educator, Malcolm Knowles , (April 24, 1913 -- November 27, 1997). Knowles held that andragogy (from the Greek words meaning "adult-leading") should be distinguished from the more commonly used pedagogy (Greek: "child-leading").

Knowles' theory can be stated as four simple postulates [1] and [2]:

• Adults need to be involved in the planning and evaluation of their instruction (Self-concept and Motivation to learn).
• Experience (including mistakes) provides the basis for learning activities (Experience).
• Adults are most interested in learning subjects that have immediate relevance to their job or personal life (Readiness to learn).
• Adult learning is problem-centered rather than content-oriented (Orientation to learning).

Knowles' work (most notably the book Self-Directed Learning: A Guide for Learners and Teachers, published in 1975) has been controversial. To some, his proposed system states the obvious, to others, he has merely proposed an adaptation of existing child-learning theories.

The term has been used by some to allow a discussion of the difference between self directed and 'taught' education. However as the attitudes of society towards young people change, the differences in educational methods will tend to diminish. (Self directed education is encouraged in earlier age groups).

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* See Wikipedia, Andragogy, (as of Apr. 23, 2009, 21:54 GMT).