Abstract
Although andragogy has a long history, there remain abundant opportunities and challenges ahead in terms of research and practice. This chapter examines some key issues in the development of the concept and philosophy of andragogy, future research needs, and developing applications in practice. One of the primary reasons that stronger empirical research on andragogy has not emerged is that there is no psychometrically valid instrument to measure the andragogical constructs. Hadley solicited feedback on the instrument’s design from Malcolm Knowles, a member of his doctoral committee, and the questionnaire was administered to 409 teachers/educators from public and private educational institutions, as well as from business, religious institutions, and government agencies. The “holy grail” of research on andragogy is to empirically demonstrate that andragogical techniques lead to better outcomes. Andragogy can serve as an important tool to help increase access and participation in education, enhance learning, and help foster lifelong learning.
Learning objectives
Learners will be able to:
- Identify the key issues that will shape the research and practice of andragogy in the future.
Discussion Questions
Why do you think teachers tend to see themselves as more andragogical than students do?
Future Research Needs in Andragogy Infographic
Reflection Questions
22.1 What are the relative strengths of the U.S. and European views off andragogy?
22.2 Propose a study focused on andragogy that you think is important and explain why it is important.
22.3 Discuss a specific strategy you would propose to advance andragogical concepts in context of adults using the in-ternet for learning purposes.