Andragogy:Case Study of

Andragogy and Online Learning

Context Adult student enrolled in the second quarter of a Master of Health Administration program

FocusTwo dimensions of the learning experience:• Adult learning (andragogy)• Online Learning setting

Case Study Context & Focus

The theory of adult learning that distinguishes the abilities, needs, and desires of adult learning from childhood and adolescent learning. It is not completely separate from pedagogy, but can work alongside it- to fit the prior knowledge, experiences, and motivations that separate adult learners from children learners.

(Hiemstra & Sisco, 1990, para. 6)

Andragogy

Adult learners are autonomous and self-directed and want to be involved in their own educational planning. They have the ability to initiate solutions to the challenges they encounter in their attempts to learn and are capable of planning organizing and implementing their own learning strategies.

Wilmarth, 2010, p. 3, para. 2

• Independent; Self-directed learners

• Have experiences that can be used to support learning

• Intentional learners• Performance-centered

(Hiemstra & Sisco, 1990, para. 7)Cited from (Knowles, 1980, p. 44-45)

What we know about adult learners

Online LearningAccording to the Sloan Consortium, in 2007 3.5 million learners used online learning.

The number is increasing due to the demand for certain levels of education to perform certain jobs and upward mobility to gain a more ideal position and more money within one’s field.

(Bedford, 2009, para. 1)

Online LearningThe convenience of online learning allows people to add education to their lives, while still maintaining their personal and professional lives, due to the autonomy and convenience of online learning.

(Bedford, 2009, para. 1)

Case Study Question

What features and designs in online learning support or neglect

the needs of adult learners?

With particular attention to self-directed learning, learner motivation,

and instructional design

Sources of Evidence

Asking- Interview

Direct Observation- Documented

Physical Artifacts- Photos, Videos, Surveys