Pedagogy Vs Andragogy: Difference between Pedagogy and Andragogy in Learning

The term “learning” is like a never-ending loop!

Whether you count learning from the day a child begins to walk or speak or the day someone studies to graduate or the day one innovate something.

The crux is – learning is an ongoing process- not restricted to age.

However, the learning process for a child is different than for an adult. Naturally, they require distinct teaching-learning strategies.

The concept of “pedagogy” & “andragogy” is a reflection of the same.

Pedagogy and Andragogy - Introduction

These terms may be new for most of you as they are derived from Greek words.

Let me break it down and explain what it means- (Please make a better box)

Thus,“pedagogy” relates to the learning journey of children & involves best practices to help children learn effortlessly.

On the other hand “andragogy” relates to the learning journey of an adult learner & involves the best practices to simplify their learning process.

Both aim to help different age groups learn seamlessly!

Speaking from the education front, the aim of learning is to prepare life-long learners. As Herbert Spencer said -

“The great aim of education is not knowledge but action.”

Thus, both pedagogy & andragogy support the ideology of making individuals capable of doing something in their lives.

Major Differences between Pedagogy and Andragogy in Learning

The difference between pedagogy and andragogy is just not limited to the age group of learners. It is just an aspect. There are various aspects to it.

Pedagogy refers to teaching children or dependent personalities, whereas andragogy refers to providing learning facilities and access to educational courses and programs to the adults that are self-directed learners.

And in this section, I would unfold the various aspects.

Let’s get started with understanding the major differences between pedagogy and andragogy in learning…

#1: Capacity to Adapt to New Things

If you pay attention to the learning capacity of a child and an adult learner, you’ll clearly know that an adult learner is much more responsible.

Besides responsibility, they have got a better intellect that maximizes their capacity to adapt to new things. Whereas children don’t pay attention to adapting to new things beyond their curriculum! Their learning capacity is more restricted towards the syllabus & academics. It may change as they grow and step into “andragogy” from “pedagogy”.

#2: Personalized Learning with Skills Development

Children start with learning the concepts that enhance their knowledge.

However, when it comes to adult learners, they are already aware of most of the things and thus they need personalized learning that would help them enhance their skills.

Their aim is to upgrade their knowledge. And children want to gain knowledge first. So, it won’t be wrong to say that andragogy is an advanced learning process.

#3: Experience-backed Learning Process

If you ask a fresher to perform a task, he/she may complete it efficiently or may fail at it.

However, when you ask an experienced person to perform a task, the chances of its completion with the best efficiency are much higher.

And why is it so?

The answer is “experience”!

Similar to this instance, experience-backed learning is sure to give the best student learning outcomes as compared to learning that lacks experience. Young kids lack experience and adult learners have a better experience that makes their learning more valuable & diverse.

#4: Curiosity to Innovate

Learners that have gained experience are more inclined towards innovation. They have curiosity because of the knowledge they already have. However, when it comes to young learners, they also have curiosity –but to learn new concepts.

Innovatory mindset development takes time & experience.

The level of curiosity to innovate comes only after crossing the basic steps of pedagogy and reaching to andragogy in the future.

#5: Goal of Long-Term Success

As an adult, people hardly get time to learn anything.

And if they do – it is for their overall development & reaching a stage where they can upgrade their lives.

Time plays a key role!

They invest their time in learning that would help them get a better job; develop a skill that would help them be financially sound. On the other hand, children study & learn to get admission to a better school & college. They don’t have a long-term plan unless they pursue graduation. They just want to learn for scoring good grades. The mindset changes after some years gradually.

In a nutshell, unlike pedagogy, andragogy is not dependent on teachers as it develops a self-learning attitude in learners.

And thus, andragogy is superior in terms of learning outcomes!