CIT Adult Learning Theory & Andragogy 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Who is credited with popularizing the term 'andragogy' and developing its foundational model for adult learning?
- Benjamin Bloom
- Malcolm Knowles (Correct answer)
- David Kolb
- Jack Mezirow
Correct answer: Malcolm Knowles
Malcolm Knowles popularized andragogy in North America and developed its six core assumptions distinguishing adult learning from pedagogy.
Question 2: According to Knowles' andragogical model, which assumption addresses the shift from a dependent learner to a self-directing one?
- The need to know
- Learner self-concept (Correct answer)
- Role of experience
- Readiness to learn
Correct answer: Learner self-concept
Knowles identified learner self-concept—the move toward self-directedness—as a defining characteristic of adult learners in his andragogical model.
Question 3: In andragogy, why must adult learners understand the reason for learning something before they commit to it?
- To satisfy administrative certification requirements
- To comply with IPC documentation mandates
- Because adults invest time and energy based on perceived personal value (Correct answer)
- To fulfill the expectations of the training instructor
Correct answer: Because adults invest time and energy based on perceived personal value
Adults allocate effort based on whether they see clear value and relevance to their lives, making the 'need to know' a critical prerequisite for engagement.
Question 4: Which statement best describes 'experience as a resource' in adult learning theory?
- Prior experience is irrelevant and may introduce bad habits
- Adults bring life and work experience that enriches and contextualizes new learning (Correct answer)
- Instructors should disregard learner experience to ensure consistency
- Experience only matters for hands-on technical training, not conceptual content
Correct answer: Adults bring life and work experience that enriches and contextualizes new learning
Adult learners accumulate experience that acts as a rich resource for new knowledge, making experience-based instructional techniques highly effective.
Question 5: In Knowles' model, adults are most ready to learn when:
- Management mandates attendance to meet compliance deadlines
- Training addresses real tasks or problems they currently face in their roles (Correct answer)
- Curriculum follows a strict sequential subject-matter order
- Content is delivered exclusively through lecture without interaction
Correct answer: Training addresses real tasks or problems they currently face in their roles
Readiness to learn in adults is triggered by real life or role tasks, making training most effective when directly tied to immediate responsibilities.
Question 6: What distinguishes adult learners' orientation to learning from that of children, according to andragogy?
- Adults prefer memorization over application of concepts
- Adults are subject-centered while children are problem-centered
- Adults are problem-centered and seek immediate application of learning (Correct answer)
- Adults require more structured external guidance than children do
Correct answer: Adults are problem-centered and seek immediate application of learning
Adult learners are problem-centered, preferring learning they can apply immediately to current challenges, in contrast to children who tend to be subject-centered.
Question 7: According to andragogy, internal motivation in adult learners is primarily driven by:
- Salary increases and promotion opportunities
- Fear of disciplinary action for non-compliance
- Desire for job satisfaction, self-esteem, and improved quality of life (Correct answer)
- Peer pressure from more experienced colleagues
Correct answer: Desire for job satisfaction, self-esteem, and improved quality of life
Knowles emphasized that adult learners are primarily motivated by internal factors such as job satisfaction and self-esteem rather than external rewards or threats.
CIT Adult Learning Theory & Andragogy 1
Who is credited with popularizing the term 'andragogy' and developing its foundational model for adult learning?