Principles of Adult Learning

Malcolm Knowles'

Principles of Andragogy and Instructional Coaching

Instructional Coaches can utilize Knowles' principles of andragogy duing coaching by leveraging the experiences and motivation of adults. They should also structure learning opportunities with a problem-based approach rather than a subject-based approach.

Reference

1

Adults have lived experiences with which to frame their knowledge. Leverage these experiences in coaching situations.

2

Adults are self-directed. They do not need to be continually reminded. They value independance and witll keep their commitments.

Adults are ready to learn and will do whatever they need to do to learn the material when they know it is applicable and relevant.

4

Build relationships of trust. Teachers must trust you before they expose their vulnerabilities.

Listen thoughtfully to teachers and validate their concerns. Then collaborate to set goals.

6

Adults have intrinsic motivation to learn. They know that setting and accomplishing their goal will improve their life.

Strategy to engage adult learners

Adults are eager learners when they see a topic that has relevance to their life. Engage in coaching conversations with direct applications.

8

Teach adults with a problem-based model of learning. Create a guiding question for coaching sessions to help teachers solve problems and achieve goals.

Andragogy is the art and science of teaching adults who have very differenct needs.

Pedagogy

Pedagogy is the art and science of teaching children. The foundational principles of pedagogy form the learning theories leading to andragogy.

Strategy to engage adult learners

Andragogy

Adults learn differently than children and andragogy draws on and adapts pedagogical techniques to older learners who have experience and self-motivation.

(Conaway & Zorn-Arnold, 2015)