Andragogy

This afternoon we had the privilege to have Dr. Judy Moore speak with us about andragogy, the methods for teaching adult learners. Dr. Moore was a fantastic speaker who engaged us with her sense of humor as well as her expertise.

The more I listened and participated in Dr. Moore's presentation, the more I thought that pedagogy (especially with high school students) begins to shift in the direction of andragogy.

Here are some of the key points I picked up on about andragogy:

• connect to adults' experiences ("the power of your experience")
• adults have choices, are engaged on their own
• adults want something to take away and want their time used well (no fluff)
• quick-fast-easy
• relevant and practical
• hands-on, collaboration

But looking at that list, I really think we need to respect students in that same way. The biggest differences are the factors of experience and choice. Students may not have as many prior experiences (schemas) to draw on, but we should attempt to get them to connect the experiences they have had that are relevant to their lives. And while students may not choose their own classes, we can motivate them to appreciate what they need to learn and possibly give them choices in the classroom to increase engagements. (Genius Hour, maybe?). Students do want things quick-fast-easy, and they do want it to be relevant, and of course hands-on.

I need to keep connection and choices in mind as I go into the new school year.