Pedagogy and Andragogy in Higher Education

Human Resource practitioners have a responsibility to ensure quality learning occurs in their organizations. Therefore it is important when organizations consider learning in their environment; what constitutes quality learning? Should they be considering a pedagogical approach to learning or should they consider an andragogical approach to learning? By having a better understanding of learning theories will help determine which learning methods may be successful. This chapter compares the pedagogical and the andragogical models. Knowles’ self-directed learning theory is discussed, as well as Merriam, Caffarella and Baumgarnter (2007). Learning contracts are discussed as a way of adults taking responsibility for their learning. The authors describe how adults might take more of an active role for their learning and how educators become more of a facilitator. By reviewing these theories will help guide organizations how to maximize learning in their organizations.