Andragogy is the study of how adults learn, and it is based on five assumptions about learning
in adults versus children.
As people mature, they shift to the following:
• Self-concept Their concept of self moves toward self-directed and self-sufficiency.
• Experience They accumulate more experience that they tuck away and can
access in learning situations.
• Readiness to learn They adjust to a readiness state of learning because of
developmental requirements for their stage of life and social roles (e.g., parent,
homeowner).
• Orientation to learning They shift from subject-focused to problem-focused
learning that has immediate applicability.
• Motivation to learn Motivation for learning comes from an internal source
within rather than external.
